Apterichtus kanniyakumari

Apterichtus kanniyakumari Latest News

Researchers from National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) have discovered a new species of finless snake eel and named it after Kanniyakumari as Apterichtus kanniyakumari. 

About Apterichtus kanniyakumari

• It is a species of finless snake eel belonging to the genus Apterichtus was discovered off the Colachel coast. 

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Features of Apterichtus kanniyakumari

• It has distinct golden-yellow body colouration, ventral side of head pale white with yellow lines along the lower jaw.
• It consists of three black blotches including one behind the eyes followed by one in rictus and another behind the origin of rictus.
• Molecular analysis based on mitochondrial CO1 gene exhibits that this new species forms a distinct clade with its sympatric species, Apterichtus nanjilnaduensis.

Key Facts about Snake eels

• Snake eels are members of the family Ophichthidae, and are named for their snake-like appearance
• Distribution: They are found in both tropical and temperate waters in oceans around the world.
• Habitat: These eels mainly live in sandy areas in shallow seas, however some live in depths to 800m.
• The snake eel uses its tail to burrow backward into the sea bottom, creating a protective burrow.

Source: TH