taningia silasii for 23 November 2025

Taningia silasii Latest News

Researchers of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi have discovered a new species of deep-sea squid from the Arabian Sea and named it as Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid).

About Taningia silasii

• It is discovered from the Arabian Sea from nearly 390 metres into the sea off the Kollam coast.
• It belongs to the family Octopoteuthidae.
• It is the only second formally recognised species in the Taningia genus. (Taningia danae was the first species found in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to this genus).

Characteristics of Taningia silasii

• It has a length of 45 cm, whereas 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.
• No Tentacles: One of the most striking features of the Indian octopus squid is the absence of the long feeding tentacles typically seen in most squid species.
• Morphology: It has a reduced number of gill lamellae, which are tiny leaf-like structures on the gills. 
• It also possesses a uniquely oval-shaped funnel-mantle locking cartilage and distinct morphological features in its beak, including a broadened wing on the lower beak.
• DNA barcodes revealed 11% genetic divergence from its only previously confirmed relative, Taningia danae. 

Source: TH