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The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) has identified the 14th eel species from the Indian coast.
It is a new species of Congrid eel discovered off Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu.
What is Tamilicum
Genus – Ariosoma.
It was named tamilicum, with reference to the world’s oldest language, Tamil.
The new species presented with dorsal surface of head with single whitish band across anterior eye margin.
The ventral portion of lower jaw had tiny dark pigmentation patches, forming a dark line along the isthmus.
It had long, vomerine teeth patch, reaching half the length of maxillary, and possessed 120-129 total vertebrae.
It grows up to 30 centimetres in length.
It is non-toxic and is commonly used as poultry feed.
These eels are benthic dwellers, living at the bottom of the sea.
If the protein level is comparable to other edible fish, it could be suggested that they be commercialized for consumption.
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