What is Squalus hima?

About Squalus hima:

• It is a new species of dogfish shark discovered from southwest coast of India.
• Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae. commonly known asspurdogs and are characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines.
  • They also have an angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout, first dorsal fin origin behind the pectoral fins, and body without anyspots.
  • They are exploited for their liver oil, which contains high levels of squalene (or squalane when it is processed for products).
  • It is in high demand for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for making high-end cosmetic and anti-cancerous products.
  • On the Indian coast, two species of Squalus are found from the southwest coast of India, and the new species, Squalus hima n.sp., very similar to Squalus lalannei, but differs in many characteristics.
• The newly discovered Squalus hima differs from other species by the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk & head heights, fin structure, and fin colour.

Q1: What is the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile British Indian Empire . The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.

Source: ZSI scientist discover new species of dogfish shark Squalus hima from India