New Fish Species Discovered In Bengal’s Digha Harbour
Relevance: GS3 - Conservation
(Source: Down To Earth, 09/22/2023)
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Why in the news?
Recently, the Zoological Survey of India discovered a new species of orange-colored deep-water marine fish, commonly known as sea-robins, from Digha Mohana in West Bengal.
Table of Contents
What is the newly discovered species of fish?
- The new species of fish, also known as gurnards and sea-robins, are members of the Triglidae family.
- It has been named Pterygotrigla intermedica.
Characteristics
- Vibrant orange in color
- It differed from other gurnard species in terms of snout length, the shape of the internuchal space, and the size of the cleithral spine.
- It has a unique pectoral fin with black membranes on the inner surface, a white posterior margin, and three small white spots at the base of the creamy white fin rays.
- It has a long opercular spine and a very short cleithral spine.
- It has a lateral line, gill rakers on the upper limb, 12-13 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first-gill arch, and a prominent large black blotch between the 4th and 6th spines of the first dorsal fin.
Discovery
- It was initially observed by a local fisherman in his catch in 2018.
- Researchers collected a total of 24 specimens during their study of by-catch components along the northern part of India's east coast at the Digha Mohana fishing harbor.
Significance
- This is the fourth species of the Pterygotrigla genus that has been reported in India.
- The Triglidae family consists of 178 different species.
Zoological Survey of India
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FAQs
Question: What is CITES?
Answer:
CITES or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is a voluntary international agreement that aims to ensure that the international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It was created through a resolution passed by members of the IUCN in 1963.
Question: What are storm surges?
Answer:
A storm surge refers to a rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones, or other intense storms like typhoons or hurricanes. It depends on the intensity of the storm and can lead to the inundation of the coastal strip. It can lead to a large-scale loss of life and destruction of property. The Increased salinity in the soil makes the land unfit for agricultural use for large periods.
MCQs
Question: The release of which one of the following into ponds and wells helps in controlling the mosquitoes? (UPSC CSE 2008)
(a) Crab
(b) Dogfish
(c) Gambusia fish
(d) Snail
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
- Gambusia affinis is a larvivorous fish that feeds on mosquito larvae, insects, and crustaceans.
- Its release into ponds and wells helps control the spread of mosquitoes and subsequently the spread of vector diseases.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Question: Consider the following statements:
- The Zoological Society of India acts as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection.
- It prepares the Red Data Book, Fauna of India, and Fauna of States.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), India’s apex body on animal taxonomy, was launched in 1916 to promote survey, exploration, and research to enhance knowledge of flora and fauna of the British Indian Empire.
- It has been declared as a designated repository for the National Zoological Collection under Section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- One of the major functions of the ZSI is the publishing of the Red Data Book on Indian Animals, Fauna of India, Fauna of States, Fauna of Conservation Areas, and other results. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
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