Scorpaenospsis neglecta: Rare fish found in Gulf of Mannar

The Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have found a rare fish from the Gulf of Mannar. The specimen was deposited at the National Marine Biodiversity Museum of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Highlights

The fish is locally called Scorpion Fish for its venomous tail. When the spines in the tail pierces an individual, the venom gets injected and causes severe pain. This is the first time, the species has been found alive in the Indian waters.

Gulf of Mannar

It is a shallow bay in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and India. A Chain of low islands and reefs called Ram Sethu separates Gulf of Mannar from Palk Bay. Ram Sethu is also called Adam’s bridge. Gulf of Mannar is also called Adam’s bridge. Gulf of Mannar is a biosphere reserve.

Biosphere Reserve

There are 18 Biosphere reserves in India. Biosphere reserves protect larger area than that of animal sanctuary and national park. The list of Biosphere Reserves in India are as follows

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
• Gulf Of Mannar
• Nokrek
• Sundarbans
• Manas
• Simlipal
• Dihang-Dibang
• Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
• Achnakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
• Great Rann of Kutch
• Cold Desert
• Khangchendzonga
• Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
• Great Nicobar
• Dibru-Saikhowa
• Seshachalam Hills
• Panna