New Seahorse Species Discovered in Kerala, Ending 150-Year Confusion

Marine researchers from Kerala have identified a new seahorse species, Hippocampus amandavincentae, ending a 150-year-old taxonomic confusion surrounding the thorny seahorse (Hippocampus histrix). The discovery, led by scientists from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), reveals that what was long thought to be a single species is, in fact, three distinct ones.

Named After Marine Biologist Amanda Vincent

The newly identified species has been named in honor of Amanda Vincent, a renowned marine biologist. It was first collected from fish bycatch at the Tuticorin fisheries harbour by Shalu Kannan, the lead author of the study. The findings were detailed in a paper published in the taxonomy journal Zootaxa.

This discovery also marks the fifth known seahorse species found along the Kerala coast, underscoring the region’s marine biodiversity.

Resolving Decades of Misidentification

For decades, museum specimens and biodiversity records from the Indian Ocean region had mistakenly classified various spiny seahorses as Hippocampus histrix. Rajeev Raghavan, Assistant Professor at Kufos and a senior author of the study, highlighted the widespread misidentification. The research also clarified that Hippocampus jayakari, another lesser-known species, had similarly been misclassified under Hippocampus histrix.

Photographed Alive in Kerala Waters

The new species was photographed alive during a survey conducted under the Ecomarine project. The survey took place at a depth of approximately 15 meters on rocky reefs off Anchuthengu, according to Kufos Vice-Chancellor A. Biju Kumar.

Why It Matters

The study not only resolves a long-standing scientific confusion but also highlights the importance of accurate species identification for marine conservation. With this discovery, researchers hope to better understand the ecological roles of seahorses and the threats they face in Indian waters.

Source: The Hindu