Source: Deccan Herald 

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Context

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India's regional centre in Gopalpur, Odisha, discovered a new snake eel species, Ophichthus Suryai, in various estuarine ecosystems across the state.
• The discovery, confirmed through detailed morphological, meristic, and molecular analysis, honours Surya Kumar Mohanty, a former joint director of the state fishery department.

Details

Key Points

• Discovery of Ophichthus Suryai:
  • Location: Specimens were collected from the Subarnarekha river at Talasara in Balasore district, Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district, and Bahuda river near Sunapur in Ganjam district.
  • Identification: The species was identified and confirmed through DNA analysis and morphological studies conducted at the ZSI laboratory in Gopalpur.
• Unique Characteristics:
• Distinguishing Features: The new species differs from its congeners (Ophichthus alleni, Ophichthus zophistius, and Ophichthus altipennis) by having the dorsal fin origin just above or slightly anterior to the gill opening.
• Vertebral Count and Teeth Patterns: Unique vertebral count and teeth patterns consisting of multiple rows on both maxilla and mandible.
• Genus Identification: Initially identified to belong to the genus Ophichthus through examination of morphological, meristic, and molecular characters.
• Publication:
• Research Paper: The detailed characteristics of Ophichthus Suryai were published in the Bulletin of Marine Science on June 13.
• Authors: The research paper was co-authored by Anil Mohapatra, Rajesh Kumar Behera, Subhendu Kumar Mishra, and Smrutirekha Acharya.
• Significance:
• Biodiversity: This discovery adds to the biodiversity knowledge of estuarine ecosystems in Odisha.
• Scientific Contribution: Enhances understanding of marine biology and the genetic diversity of snake eels.
• Honor: Named to honour Surya Kumar Mohanty for his contributions to the state fishery department.

Sources:

Deccan Herald

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