ZSI Scientists Discover Pterygotrigla intermedica

September 22, 2023

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water marine fish in Digha Mohana, West Bengal. Named Pterygotrigla intermedica, it shares similarities with species like Pterygotrigla hemisticta. This discovery marks the fourth species of the Pterygotrigla genus reported in India and adds to the total of 178 species in the Triglidae family worldwide. The findings were published in the marine science journal Thalassas on September 20, 2023.

To which family of marine fish does the newly discovered species belong?

The newly discovered species belongs to the family Triglidae, commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins.

When was the new species of fish discovered, and how were the specimens collected?

The new species of fish was discovered on October 20, 2018, by a local fisherman. A total of 24 specimens were collected during a study of by-catch components along the northern part of the east coast of India.

What distinct characteristics set the newly discovered fish species apart from other gurnad species?

The newly discovered species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a distinct pectoral-fin with black membranes on the inner surface, a white posterior margin, and three small white spots basally in the fin. Additionally, each ray of the fin is creamy white. Other distinctive features include a long opercular spine, a very short cleithral spine, a lateral line, gill rakers on the upper limb, 12–13 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch, and a large black blotch between the 4th and 6th spines of the first dorsal fin.

How many specimens have been preserved for further study?

A total of 23 specimens have been preserved at the ZSI’s Estuarine Biology Regional Center, Gopalpur, and one specimen is stored in the Marine Fish Section, Kolkata, for further study.

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