Kerala shark mystery solved: DNA reveals a new species after decades
Researchers have identified a new species of deep-sea shark, the Indian Bramble Shark, off the coast of Kerala after DNA analysis proved it was distinct from Atlantic species. This discovery underscores the significant gaps in our understanding of marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean.
Why it matters
Correctly identifying species is critical for marine conservation and understanding the ecological health of the Indian Ocean.
For decades, a mysterious deep-sea shark caught off the Kerala coast was believed to belong to a species found in the Atlantic Ocean. Its appearance seemed to support that identification, and it continued to be recorded under the same scientific name. But when Indian researchers examined the shark more closely and analysed its DNA, they uncovered something unexpected: it was a distinct species that had remained hidden in plain sight.The discovery of Echinorhinus roinee, popularly known as the Indian Bramble Shark, has added a new chapter to India's marine biodiversity research.
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