Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark Squalus hima from Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea.
About Squalus hima:
- Squalus hima is a species of dogfish shark in the genus Squalus.
- Squalus belongs to the family Squalidae.
- This species has been commonly misidentified with S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei.
- However, distinct morphological, meristic, and morphometric evidence supports its classification as a separate species.
- Squalus hima differs from related species in several aspects, including the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, as well as the structure and colour of its fins.
- This species is described based on 13 specimens collected from the southwest coast of India.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Squalus hima?
Squalus hima is a newly identified species of dogfish shark in the genus Squalus, belonging to the family Squalidae.
What are dogfish sharks?
Dogfish sharks are a group of sharks belonging to the order Squaliformes, known for their spiny backs and small to medium size.
What is meant by ‘meristic’ evidence?
Meristic evidence refers to countable features in biological classification, such as the number of scales, vertebrae, or fins, used to identify and classify species.
What does ‘morphometric’ mean in marine biology?
Morphometric refers to the measurement of form and structure in organisms, often used in taxonomy to compare physical characteristics across species.