A new species of conger eel, Ariosoma cmfriense, described from the deep waters of the Arabian Sea.
Scientists from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have claimed to have described a new species of conger eel from the deep waters of the Arabian Sea and named it after the institute to mark its 80th anniversary year.
The new species, named Ariosoma cmfriense, was collected from the waters off Kollam in Keralam at a depth of about 300 m in January 2026, according to a communication.
The specimen was identified as a distinct species based on a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. It was distinguished from the 12 currently recognised Ariosoma species reported from Indian and neighbouring waters through detailed taxonomic examination, the communication said.
The discovery was made by researchers led by Rekha J. Nair, Principal Scientist, of the institute, as part of the Deep Ocean Mission of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Published – September 16, 2026 06:11 pm IST
