Ariosoma Tamilicum

Why in News?

The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) has identified the 14^th eel species from the Indian coast.

It is a new species of Congrid eel discovered off Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu.
Genus – Ariosoma.
Nomenclature – It was named tamilicum, with reference to the world’s oldest language, Tamil.
Uniqueness - The new species presented with dorsal surface of head with single whitish band across anterior eye margin.
The ventral portion of lower jaw had tiny dark pigmentation patches, forming a dark line along the isthmus.
It had long, vomerine teeth patch, reaching half the length of maxillary, and possessed 120-129 total vertebrae.
Size - It grows up to 30 centimetres in length.
Divergence - It is morphologically closely related to Ariosoma emmae from the Taiwan waters but exhibits 13.4% genetic divergence in mitochondrial CO1 gene sequences.
It is non-toxic and is commonly used as poultry feed.
These eels are benthic dwellers, living at the bottom of the sea.
Consumption - If the protein level is comparable to other edible fish, it could be suggested that they be commercialized for consumption.