Apristurus drona

Apristurus drona Latest News

Scientists recently identified a new species of deep-sea catshark from the Arabian Sea off the Sakthikulangara harbour on the Kollam coast and named it Apristurus Drona, or the Arabian slender catshark. 

About Apristurus drona

• Apristurus Drona, or the Arabian slender catshark, is a new species of deep-sea catshark.
• It was discovered in the Arabian Sea off the Sakthikulangara harbour on the Kollam coast of Kerala.
• The species forms a distinct evolutionary lineage and is closely related to catshark species found in the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand. 
• Scientists reported a genetic divergence of 5.5-5.7% from its nearest known relative, reinforcing its status as a separate species.  
• It appears to be extremely rare, occurring along the continental slope off Kollam and around the Wadge Bank. 
• It has no commercial value and is only occasionally encountered in fishery bycatch. 

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 What are Catsharks?

• A catshark is any of more than 150 species of small mottled sharks (order Carcharhiniformes). 
• Most are less than 90 cm (3 feet) long, and many have bold body markings. 
• They have slender bodies and eyes that are elongated, giving them a catlike appearance.
• Cat sharks prey on invertebrates and small fishes. 
• They have been found in all major marine environments of the tropical and temperate regions, although many bottom-dwelling species are rare and poorly understood. 
• No species is known to be aggressive toward humans.

News: NIE