ICAR-NBFGR Identifies Two New Marine Species from Indian Waters

Scientists from ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) identify 2 new marine species from Indian waters. The species are a porcelain crab from Lakshadweep and a snake eel from the Bay of Bengal near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

ICAR-NBFGR: Newly Identified Marine Species from Indian Waters

Dimension	Key Details
Identifying authority	The ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) identifies 2 new marine species from Indian waters.
Species identified	The identified species comprise Pachycheles ravichandrani (Porcelain Crab) and Bascanichthys chepakakiensis (Snake Eel).
Pachycheles ravichandrani: location	The species is located in the coral reefs of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep.
Pachycheles ravichandrani: taxonomy	The species comprises Genus Pachycheles and Family Porcellanidae.
Pachycheles ravichandrani: nomenclature	The nomenclature honours Dr M. Ravichandran, former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, for contributions to marine biodiversity exploration.
Pachycheles ravichandrani: distinct traits	Distinct traits comprise setae along lateral ridges and posterior margin of carapace; tiny size of 3 mm; a distinct gap between fingers of minor cheliped; and a truncate cutting edge of minor cheliped.
Bascanichthys chepakakiensis: location	The species is located in the Bay of Bengal, near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Bascanichthys chepakakiensis: taxonomy	The species comprises Genus Bascanichthys and Family Ophichthidae.
Bascanichthys chepakakiensis: nomenclature	The nomenclature is derived from Telugu words chepa (fish) and kaki (short for Kakinada), meaning fish from Kakinada.
Methodology used	Morphological examination and mitochondrial DNA analysis confirm new species status.
Bascanichthys chepakakiensis: distinct traits	Distinct traits comprise a dorsal-fin origin before the middle of the head; a slightly darker head; and a dusky to dark-brown snout.