Facciolella smithi:
Indian scientists recently discovered a new deep-sea eel species, Facciolella smithi (Smith’s witch eel), in the Arabian Sea.
- Facciolella smithi (Smith’s witch eel) is a new species of deep-sea eel.
- It was discovered by the scientists at the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow.
- The specimen was collected at a depth ranging from 260 to 460 meters off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea.
- It belongs to the family Nettastomatidae.
- The eel likely inhabits the seafloor or burrows into soft sediments, navigating the pitch-black waters with the help of its sensory adaptations rather than sight.
- The species has been named in honour of eminent ichthyologist Dr. David G. Smith for his significant contributions to eel taxonomy.
- The eel has an elongate, ribbon-like body that reaches just over two feet in length. This slender shape allows it to glide smoothly through deep-sea waters.
Coloration: One of the most striking visual features is its two-tone body. The upper half is a rich brown, while the underside is described as “milky white.” This contrast may aid in camouflage in the dim oceanic depths. - Tail Regeneration: Remarkably, most of the specimens showed evidence of regrown or regenerated tails, indicating either predator encounters or natural loss due to environmental factors.
- This regenerative trait is crucial for survival in the harsh and competitive deep-sea ecosystem.
