Unveiling Apterichtus kunnumakkalan: A New Finless Snake Eel Named in Honor of Kanniyakumari's Deep Sea

The mysterious depths of India's coastal waters have once again yielded a remarkable secret, as scientists joyfully announce the discovery of a brand-new species of finless snake eel. This fascinating creature, found thriving off the Colachel coast in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district, has been christened Apterichtus kunnumakkalan – a name that pays homage to the very region it calls home.

This significant marine revelation comes courtesy of a dedicated team of researchers from the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), a leading institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Their meticulous work, which led to the formal description of the species, has now been published in the esteemed scientific journal, "Zootaxa."

Imagine a creature perfectly adapted to its demersal, or bottom-dwelling, lifestyle. The Apterichtus kunnumakkalan possesses a distinct, serpent-like body, completely devoid of fins – a characteristic that sets it apart.

Its pointed snout and tubular anterior nostrils suggest a keen sense of smell, crucial for navigating its murky, sandy or muddy seabed habitat at depths ranging from 30 to 40 meters. A large, prominent mouth hints at its predatory nature, while the absence of scales gives its skin a smooth, almost velvety appearance.

Unique identifiers for this species include its 36-39 pre-anal pores and a vertebral count between 154 and 159, distinguishing it from other known finless snake eels.

The decision to name this intriguing new species kunnumakkalan is a beautiful gesture, directly referencing 'Kanniyakumari,' the southernmost tip of peninsular India.

This not only celebrates the discovery's geographical origin but also embeds a piece of India's rich heritage within the scientific nomenclature. The collaborative effort behind this discovery involved esteemed researchers including K.V. Rajeesh Kumar, A. Bineesh Kumar, V. Rajagopalan, E.M. Aneesh, K.V.

Akhilesh, and T.J. Manoj Kumar.

This finding is particularly significant for marine biodiversity in Indian waters. Until now, only one other species of finless snake eel, Apterichtus moseri, was known to inhabit these seas. The addition of Apterichtus kunnumakkalan doubles the known diversity of this specific genus in the region, underscoring the vast, unexplored biological wealth that lies beneath the waves.

Each new species discovered acts as a vital puzzle piece, helping scientists better understand marine ecosystems, their health, and the intricate web of life within them.

As our understanding of the ocean deep continues to expand, discoveries like Apterichtus kunnumakkalan serve as a powerful reminder of the incredible, often unseen, wonders that await.

They inspire continued exploration and conservation efforts, ensuring that these remarkable creatures and their habitats are protected for future generations to marvel at and study.