Revolutionary Discovery in Marine Fisheries: New Seer Fish Species Uncovered

Revolutionary Discovery in Marine Fisheries: New Seer Fish Species Uncovered

VoM News Desk | November 14, 2023 | 04:37 PM IST | Climate & Environment | Follow on Google News

Revolutionary Discovery in Marine Fisheries: New Seer Fish Species Uncovered

Revolutionary Discovery in Marine Fisheries: New Seer Fish Species Uncovered

Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the marine fisheries sector. The research team, led by Dr. EM Abdussamad, Principal Scientist at CMFRI, identified two distinct species of seer fish, a highly valued marine fish. Among these, the Arabian sparrow seer fish (Scomberomorus avirostrus) is entirely new to science, while the Russell’s spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus leopardus) was previously considered a synonym for the spotted seer fish.

Expansion of Seer Fish Species in Indian Waters

This finding is significant as it increases the total number of seer fish species in Indian waters to six, up from the previously recognized four species. The discovery stems from an extensive taxonomic study on the spotted seer fish found along the Indian coast. Researchers noted significant differences in both morphometry and genetic structure among fish from various coastal regions.

Unique Characteristics of the Newly Discovered Species

The Arabian sparrow seer fish, named for its bird-beak-like snout, inhabits the Arabian Sea coast north of Mangalore, with its distribution extending to the Arabian Gulf. In contrast, the distribution of the other two species spans the Bay of Bengal coast north of Nagapattinam, including the Andaman Seas and China Sea. These newly identified seer fish species are smaller in size compared to their counterparts and are typically found in nearshore waters. Their delicious taste and high market value make them a sought-after catch in the fisheries sector.

Significance and Impact on Marine Biodiversity

Dr. Abdussamad expressed that this discovery represents a significant milestone in marine taxonomy and fisheries research. It enhances our understanding of the diverse marine life along the Indian coast and can potentially contribute to the country’s marine fisheries sector in various ways. These new species discoveries, including earlier findings of barracuda, chub mackerel, and queenfish, underscore CMFRI’s commitment to exploring and conserving marine biodiversity.

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