Kochi, July 3 (IANS) In a breakthrough that highlights the vast and largely unexplored biodiversity of India’s deep seas, scientists at the ICAR Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) identified a new species of deep-sea fish from the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast.

The newly discovered species, Cyttopsis indica, commonly referred to as the Indian dory, was found at depths of 350 to 500 metres along the continental slope of the eastern Lakshadweep Sea, off southern Kerala.

The discovery marks an important addition to India’s marine biodiversity and underscores the ecological significance of the deep waters off the country’s southwest coast.

The new species belongs to the genus Cyttopsis, a primitive group of marine fishes popularly known as dories.

The identification was based on six specimens collected from deep-sea trawl landings at the Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kollam.

The research team, led by CMFRI scientist Dr R. Ratheesh Kumar, confirmed the fish as a previously unknown species through a combination of conventional taxonomic studies and advanced molecular analysis, including DNA sequencing.

The findings have also resolved a long-standing taxonomic misconception.

Until now, specimens of this fish found in the Indian Ocean had been identified as Cyttopsis rosea.

However, the latest genetic analysis established that the Indian specimens are distinctly different from all known members of the genus.

As a result, Cyttopsis rosea is now recognised as being confined to the Atlantic Ocean, while the Indian Ocean population has been formally classified as a separate species.

According to the researchers, the DNA studies revealed a clear genetic divergence from every other known species within the genus, providing conclusive evidence for recognising Cyttopsis indica as a new species.

The discovery has been published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Fisheries, adding to India’s growing body of marine taxonomic research.

Scientists say the finding once again demonstrates that the deep waters off Kerala and the Lakshadweep Sea continue to harbour species that remain unknown to science.

They believe systematic exploration of these habitats could lead to the discovery of many more marine organisms, strengthening India’s understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and aiding future conservation and sustainable fisheries management efforts.

–IANS

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