Band-tail scorpionfish: A rare fish found across Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar

Band-tail scorpionfish: A rare fish found across Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity

In News:

• Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a rare fish from Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar. 
• The specimen has been deposited in the National Marine Biodiversity Museum of the CMFRI.

Key takeaways 

• The band-tail scorpionfish (Scorpaenospsis neglecta) has spines which contain neurotoxic venom. 
• When the spines pierce an individual, the venom gets injected immediately and it can be extremely painful. 
• Eating the fish would lead to death.
• The fish is well-known for its ability to change colour and blend with its surrounding environment to escape from predators and while preying.
• This was the first time that the particular species was found alive in Indian waters. 

Image source: The Hindu