New deep-sea squid species discovered

Researchers of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, claimed to have discovered a new species of deep-sea squid from the Arabian Sea.

The species, Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid), was named after noted marine biologist E. G. Silas, former Director of CMFRI. It was described in the international journal Marine Biodiversity, said a communication.

The specimen was collected from nearly 390 metres depth off the Kollam coast. The research team consisted of Geetha Sasikumar, Principal Scientist, K.K. Sajikumar, technical officer and research scholars Shijin Ameri and Toji Thomas, the communication said.