Thiruvananthapuram: Scientist have spotted a new species of signal fish, the first one of genus recorded in Indian waters. Although more than 2450 species of marine fishes have been discovered in India so far, this is the first time they have spotted the presence of a signal fish, off the Kerala coast. They were identified by trawlers at a depth of 70 metres during a marine biodiversity survey.
Since they were found in India, they have been given the scientific name 'Pteropsaron indicum'. Prof. A. Bijukumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, and Ben Victor of the Ocean Science Foundation, published the findings in the journal Ocean Science Foundation in New York Times.
Signal Fish
The discovered species is the world’s largest signal fish. It has thick yellow lines shining on the sides of the body. Small yellow marks can be seen on the sides of the head. They also have long spines on their dorsal fins. They flap their long fins as a sign of dominating their territory and attracting their mate.
It is because of these characteristics they are called signal fish. The details of their unique skeletal system were recorded in the studies by conducting CT scan.
The signal fishes are spotted in the coral reefs. So it indicates the presence of patchy corals off the Kerala coast, says Prof. Bijukumar.
