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 barcode revealed 11% genetic divergence from its only previously confirmed relative, Taningia danae.
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