An image of the newly discovered octopus-squid.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Thiruvananthapuram: Scientists of the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have discovered a new species of deep-sea squid from the Arabian sea.
According to a statement from CMFRI, it is the second confirmed species of the globally rare genus Taningia. The species is scientifically named Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid).
The specimen was collected from nearly 390 metres into the sea off the Kollam coast. It has a length of 45 cm and belongs to the family Octopoteuthidae.
A team led by principal scientist Geetha Sasikumar and technical officer Sajikumar K K.
Sasikumar said that until now Taningia danae found in Atlantic waters was the only known species in this genus. DNA barcoding showed more than eleven percent genetic divergence from the Atlantic species, she said.
According to CMFRI, members of this family can also attain large sizes, with the Atlantic species growing up to 2.3 metres in length and weighing approximately 61.4 kg
The species has been named in honour of legendary marine biologist and CMFRI former director Dr E G. Silas.