Bascanichthys chepakakiensis: New Snake Eel Species

BASCANICHTHYS CHEPAKAKIENSIS

Why in the News?

  • New Discovery: Marine scientists have discovered a new species of snake eel named Bascanichthys chepakakiensis.
  • Location: The species was identified from Kakinada Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Scientific Significance: It is only the second species of the genus Bascanichthys reported from Indian waters.

Bascanichthys chepakakiensis: New Snake Eel Species

BASCANICHTHYS CHEPAKAKIENSIS:

  • Nomenclature: The name combines the Telugu words “Chepa” (fish) and “Kaki” (Kakinada).
  • Distinct Feature: It possesses a unique bicoloured body distinguishing it from related species.
  • Morphology: It has a shorter snout, different tooth arrangement, and fewer pre-anal vertebrae.
  • Pectoral Fins: The species has extremely small flap-like pectoral fins that are barely visible.
  • Taxonomic Importance: Its discovery enriches knowledge of India’s marine biodiversity and eel diversity, supporting crop diversification strategies in aquatic ecosystems.

SNAKE EELS (FAMILY: OPHICHTHIDAE)

  • Classification: Snake eels belong to the family Ophichthidae, one of the largest eel families.
  • Appearance: They are characterized by a long, cylindrical, snake-like body.
  • Habitat: Most species inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow marine waters, though some occur at depths up to 800 metres.
  • Distribution: They are found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
  • Adaptation: Snake eels use their tail to burrow backward into sediments, creating protective shelters.

MARINE BIODIVERSITY

●  Definition: Marine biodiversity refers to the variety of marine species, ecosystems, and genetic resources found in oceans and coastal regions.

●  Importance: It supports fisheries, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and livelihoods of coastal communities while contributing to food security and nutritional security through sustainable agriculture practices, food processing, and international trade in global markets.

●  Threats: Major threats include overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change.

●  Conservation Measures: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable farming practices, and habitat restoration aid conservation while ensuring food safety standards across the marine value chain.

●  India’s Significance: India possesses a coastline of over 7,500 km and rich marine ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and estuaries.