New Fish Species Bathymyrus perplexus Identified in Bay of Bengal

Bathymyrus perplexus: New Fish Species Identified in Bay of Bengal

Why in News?

• Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Gopalpur, have identified a new fish species named Bathymyrus perplexus in the Bay of Bengal. 
• The species was first collected in 2021 off the coast of Paradip, but its identification was confirmed after detailed examinations and DNA testing. 
• A total of 32 specimens were collected from areas including West Bengal, Godavari and Kakinada and studied at the ZSI’s Gopalpur unit. 
• The findings were later published in the international marine science journal Bulletin of Marine Science. 

Key Features

• Habitat: The species is generally found at depths of 50–100 metres along the coast. 
• Body: It has a long and cylindrical body with a distinctive head and snout. 
• Colour: Its body colour varies from pink to cloudy pink. 
• The upper part of the head has heavy black pigmentation, with a black mark extending from the eye towards the snout. 
• The outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins have thin black margins. 
• Teeth are present on both the upper and lower jaws, as well as in the head region. 
• The species is reported to be non-venomous. 

Significance

• The identification adds to the knowledge of marine biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal. 
• Detailed morphological study and DNA analysis helped distinguish the species from closely related fish. 
• The specimen has been preserved in the laboratory for further research. 

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• Origin: Zoological Section of the Indian Museum, Calcutta, established in 1875. 
• Establishment: ZSI was officially established on 1 July 1916. 
• Purpose: To conduct zoological surveys, exploration and research on India’s animal diversity. 
• Expansion: Regional centres, staff and research programmes expanded over time to study India’s diverse fauna. 
• Biodiversity Context: India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries and has four biodiversity hotspots: 
  • Western Ghats–Sri Lanka 
  • Indo-Burma 
  • Himalayas 
  • Sundaland 
• Faunal Documentation: India has recorded about 1,00,693 animal species, while many species, especially lower invertebrates, remain to be discovered. 
• CBD Role: Its work includes species identification, biodiversity assessment, conservation planning and sustainable use of biological resources. 

Functions

• Species Survey: Surveys terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems to document species diversity and distribution. 
• Conservation Support: Provides scientific information for in-situ conservation of species and habitats. 
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Conducts EIA studies focusing on ecology, wildlife and biodiversity. 
• Sustainable Use: Monitors commercially important species and advises on sustainable utilisation. 
• GIS & Climate Research: Uses GIS and remote sensing to map biodiversity and study climate-change impacts. 
• Advisory Services: Supports CITES implementation, wildlife forensics, EIACP and collaborative biodiversity research. 

Publications

• Fauna of India Series: Major reference on taxonomy, distribution and biological information of Indian animals. 
• Fauna of States and Conservation Areas: Provides regional faunal inventories for states, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 
• Red Data Book on Indian Animals: First published in 1983; documents threatened and endangered animal species and their conservation status. 
• Animal Discoveries Reports: Annual reports documenting newly discovered species and new faunal records. 
• Faunal Survey – A Methodology: Provides methods and guidelines for conducting faunal surveys and biodiversity assessments. 

Practice Question

Q. With reference to Bathymyrus perplexus and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), consider the following statements:

1. Bathymyrus perplexus was initially collected from the Bay of Bengal in 2021, and its identification was subsequently confirmed through morphological examination and DNA analysis. 
2. The species is generally found at depths of 50–100 metres and is characterised by heavy black pigmentation on the upper part of the head. 
3. The Zoological Survey of India was officially established in 1875 as a successor to the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum, Calcutta. 
4. The Red Data Book on Indian Animals, published by ZSI, was first brought out in 1983 and contains information on threatened and endangered animal species. 

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
 (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
 (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 और 4 only

Explanation:

• Bathymyrus perplexus was first collected in 2021 off the coast of Paradip, and its identification was confirmed through detailed morphological examination and DNA testing. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• The species generally occurs at depths of 50–100 metres and has heavy black pigmentation on the upper part of its head. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Zoological Section of the Indian Museum, Calcutta, was established in 1875, but the Zoological Survey of India was officially established on 1 July 1916. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The Red Data Book on Indian Animals was first published by ZSI in 1983 and documents threatened and endangered animal species along with their conservation status. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.