In recent news, researchers have stumbled upon a new species of Moray eel off the shoreline of Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. This remarkable discovery has compelled them to christen the species Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis as an homage to the state.
First Ever Record of Gymnothorax
This latest discovery marks the first-ever record of the genus, Gymnothorax, as part of an exploration survey that was conducted in the coastal waters of Cuddalore. Four distinct specimens were collected, ranging in length from 272 mm to 487 mm. The newly unearthed species stands apart from other members of the genus Gymnothorax due to its distinguishing features.
Distinguishing Features
A definitive distinction of Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis is the presence of a series of lines of small, dark spots on their head, followed by a single line of black spots running down the midline of their body. Because of these unique traits, this newly discovered species differs greatly from others within the same family.
Registration in ZooBank
It has been confirmed that the name of this newfound species, Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis, has been officially recorded in ZooBank. This dynamic online register is maintained by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for the purpose of tracking and recording such discoveries.
General Information about Moray Eels
Moray Eels are widely distributed across all tropical and subtropical seas and are known to reside in shallow waters amidst reefs and rocks. They’re identified by two types of jaws, regular oral jaws furnished with large teeth as well as a secondary pharyngeal jaw responsible for pulling prey into their stomachs. Currently, their status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list is categorized as ‘Least Concern’.
Gymnothorax Presence in Indian Waters
With the addition of Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis, Indian waters are now home to a total of 29 species of the genus Gymnothorax. This is a significant indication of the rich biodiversity present within these territories.
About International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
Founded in 1895, the ICZN is responsible for crafting, publishing, and occasionally revising the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Their role is crucial in maintaining a consistent system of zoological nomenclature, which ensures that every animal is designated with a unique and universally accepted scientific name. Acting as both an advisory body and arbitrator, the ICZN plays a vital part in the zoological community by both generating and disseminating information regarding the accurate usage of scientific names for animals.
