The headlines have been buzzing with the recent discovery of a rare Scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis neglecta, by researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The find was made on the Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar and marks the first time this particular species has been found alive in Indian waters. The specimen has now been housed in the National Marine Biodiversity Museum of the CMFRI.
Characteristics of Scorpaenopsis neglecta
Different from other fish, this band-tail Scorpionfish uses a powerful sensory system known as a lateral sensory system to hunt its prey rather than relying on its eyes. This unique system is comprised of sense organs that enable the fish to detect movement, vibration, and pressure gradients within the surrounding water.
Another intriguing aspect about the Scorpaenopsis neglecta is its color-changing capabilities. The fish can camouflage itself to blend in with its environment to evade predators or when trying to catch prey. Camouflage is a defense mechanism deployed by organisms to alter their physical appearance to match their surroundings.
A characteristic that inspired the name ‘scorpionfish’ is the fact that its spines contain neurotoxin. Neurotoxins are harmful chemical substances that are detrimental to the nervous system. They disrupt the communication between individual neurons and can lead to paralysis of the system. When these spines penetrate an individual, the venom inside them is immediately injected. Consuming the fish can be deadly.
About Scorpionfish Species
Scorpionfish belong to the family Scorpaenidae, which mostly comprises marine fish. Many of the most dangerous species globally are in this family. These fishes typically inhabit the Indo-West Pacific region, consisting of the Indian Ocean’s tropical waters, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the Indonesian waters that link them.
This species is a nocturnal feeder and is known to lay motionless on the sea bed, awaiting its prey to draw near. Nocturnal species are those who are active at night and sleep during the day.
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
The institute that spearheaded this discovery, CMFRI, was established by the Indian Government in 1947 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It became a part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, it is considered one of the leading tropical marine fisheries research institutes globally.
The objectives of CMFRI include assessing marine fishery resources, enhancing productivity and production via mariculture, conserving marine biodiversity, and providing technology transfer, training, and consultancy.
The recent discovery of the Scorpaenopsis neglecta is yet another feather in the cap for the CMFRI and reaffirms the importance of studying and preserving marine biodiversity. This discovery is also a testament to the rich biodiversity present in the Indian waters and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect such unique species.