Indian scientists discover new bramble shark species in deep waters

UPDATE - follow-up to New shark species identified in Indian Ocean after decades of misclassification: Researchers in India have identified a deep-sea shark as a distinct new species named Echinorhinus roinee, commonly called the Indian Bramble Shark. For several decades, experts wrongly believed this fish was identical to the Atlantic bramble shark.

Discovery Details

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India and the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute made the finding. The study was published in the journal 'Records of the Zoological Survey of India'. Researchers collected the specimens at Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour in Kollam, Kerala, after they were caught by deep-sea shrimp trawlers.

Physical And Genetic Traits

These sharks live at depths of 350 to 450 metres along the continental shelf and reach up to three metres in length. The animal features a dark brown to black body covered in thorn-like structures that form multi-pointed plates as it ages. Compared to related species, it has larger eyes, bigger pelvic fins, and a longer distance between its snout and gills. DNA tests proved it is genetically different from the Atlantic bramble shark and the Pacific prickly shark. Genetic records show it may also live near Oman, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Statements And Funding

ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee stated that measurements and DNA evidence proved the fish is a distinct species. The research team includes Praveen Rozario, Bineesh K.K., Sweta Beura, Anil Kasinath, and Dhriti Banerjee from ZSI, alongside Akhilesh KV from ICAR-CMFRI. The Ministry of Earth Sciences funded the project under India's Deep Ocean Mission.

Context

Deep-sea exploration often reveals new marine life because the ocean floor remains largely unexplored. Correct species identification helps scientists improve fisheries records and protect marine ecosystems.