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
