Squalus hima
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Squalus hima
Sub: Env
Sec: Species in news
Why in news?
Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark named Squalus hima from Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea.
About Squalus hima:
- Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs. They are characterised by smooth dorsal fin spines.
- Physical Features: angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout, a first dorsal fin origin behind the pectoral fins, and a body without any spots.
- Shark species belonging to the genus Squalusand Centrophorus are exploited for their liver oil, which contains high levels of squalene (or squalane when processed for products).
- Squalene is in high demand in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for making high-end cosmetics and anti-cancerous products.
- On the Indian coast, two species of Squalus are found from the southwest coast of India.
| Squalus hima differs from similar species like S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei by the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk & head heights, fin structure, and fin colour. |
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- Established in 1916, it is India’s apex organization on animal taxonomy.
- Headquartered in Kolkata, with 16 regional offices.
- It has been declared as a designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per Section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002.
- ZSI publishes the Red Data Book on Indian Animals.