New Eel Species Apterichtus kanniyakumari Discovered off Tamil Nadu Coast:
A new marine species named Apterichtus kanniyakumari has been discovered off the Colachel coast in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant addition to India’s coastal biodiversity. The species belongs to the genus Apterichtus, commonly known as finless snake eels, and was identified by researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR). The naming pays homage to the southernmost district of India Kanniyakumari. This find not only enriches India’s marine taxonomy but also highlights the ecological richness of the southeastern Arabian Sea region.
