New Species of 'Ghost Shark' Discovered in Indian Ocean's Deep Waters
Marine biologists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) have announced the discovery of a new species of 'ghost shark' (Chimaera) in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. This elusive cartilaginous fish, found at depths exceeding 1,500 meters, represents a significant addition to marine biodiversity and offers new insights into deep-sea ecosystems.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- A new species of 'ghost shark' (Chimaera) was discovered in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean.
- The discovery was made by marine biologists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, India.
- The new species is tentatively named Chimaera indica orientalis, pending formal scientific publication.
- It was found at depths between 1,500 to 2,000 meters, specifically near the Carlsberg Ridge in the central Indian Ocean.
- Chimaeras are cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes, Holocephali), distant relatives of sharks and rays.
- Identification involved detailed morphological analysis and advanced genetic sequencing (DNA barcoding).
- The research expedition was conducted aboard India's research vessel RV Sindhu Sadhana.
- This discovery significantly adds to the known marine biodiversity of the Indian Ocean, a relatively underexplored region.
- The finding underscores the importance of India's Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), launched in 2021, for deep-sea exploration.
- Chimaeras have an ancient evolutionary lineage, dating back over 300 million years.
- The unique features of the new species provide insights into adaptations to extreme deep-sea environments.
- The discovery contributes to global efforts to map and conserve marine biodiversity, aligning with international conventions like CBD.
Why In News
The announcement today of a newly identified species of 'ghost shark' by the National Institute of Oceanography is a rare and exciting scientific discovery. This finding is particularly newsworthy as it highlights the vast, unexplored biodiversity of the Indian Ocean's abyssal zones and underscores the critical need for continued deep-sea research and conservation efforts.
Syllabus Connection
This news connects to the concept of marine biodiversity, deep-sea ecosystems, species discovery, and the importance of scientific research and conservation efforts in unexplored environments.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| What | New species of 'ghost shark' (Chimaera indica orientalis). | Significant addition to marine biodiversity, highlights deep-sea exploration potential. |
| Where | Deep waters of Indian Ocean (1,500-2,000m), Carlsberg Ridge. | Underscores the vast, unexplored nature of Indian Ocean abyssal zones and unique habitats. |
| Who | National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), RV Sindhu Sadhana. | Showcases India's growing capabilities in deep-sea research and scientific contributions. |
| Significance | New species, ancient lineage, deep-sea adaptation. | Provides insights into evolutionary biology, ecosystem dynamics, and informs conservation strategies for vulnerable deep-sea habitats. |
| Related Initiatives | Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), UNCLOS, CBD. | Discovery reinforces national and international commitments to marine scientific research and biodiversity protection. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 5–8 | UPSC tests Science & Technology through governance: space policy, biotech regulations, cyber security. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 4–8 | Basic science, space missions, ISRO launches, and defence technology are standard SSC GK topics. |
| State PCS / PSC | Medium | 3–5 | Space missions, defence acquisitions, and health research appear regularly. |
Key Facts to Remember: New Species of 'Ghost Shark' Discovered in Indian Ocean's Deep Waters
- A new species of 'ghost shark' (Chimaera) was discovered in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean.
- The discovery was made by marine biologists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, India.
- The new species is tentatively named Chimaera indica orientalis, pending formal scientific publication.
- It was found at depths between 1,500 to 2,000 meters, specifically near the Carlsberg Ridge in the central Indian Ocean.
- Chimaeras are cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes, Holocephali), distant relatives of sharks and rays.
- Identification involved detailed morphological analysis and advanced genetic sequencing (DNA barcoding).
- The research expedition was conducted aboard India's research vessel RV Sindhu Sadhana.
- This discovery significantly adds to the known marine biodiversity of the Indian Ocean, a relatively underexplored region.
- The finding underscores the importance of India's Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), launched in 2021, for deep-sea exploration.
- Chimaeras have an ancient evolutionary lineage, dating back over 300 million years.
- The unique features of the new species provide insights into adaptations to extreme deep-sea environments.
- The discovery contributes to global efforts to map and conserve marine biodiversity, aligning with international conventions like CBD.
Practice Questions
Q1. The new species of 'ghost shark' was discovered by marine biologists from which Indian institution?
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
- Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE)
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Explanation: The discovery of the new ghost shark species was announced by marine biologists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), located in Goa, India. NIO is a premier institution for marine research in India.
Q2. In which specific deep-sea region of the Indian Ocean was the new 'ghost shark' species found?
- Bay of Bengal
- Arabian Sea
- Carlsberg Ridge vicinity
- Andaman Sea
Explanation: The new species, Chimaera indica orientalis, was identified from specimens collected at depths exceeding 1,500 meters in the central Indian Ocean, specifically within the Carlsberg Ridge vicinity. This area is known for its unique deep-sea geological features.
Q3. To which class and subclass of fish do 'ghost sharks' (Chimaeras) belong?
- Osteichthyes, Actinopterygii
- Agnatha, Myxini
- Chondrichthyes, Holocephali
- Placodermi, Arthrodira
Explanation: Chimaeras, or 'ghost sharks,' are cartilaginous fish belonging to the class Chondrichthyes, which also includes sharks and rays. Within this class, they are further classified under the subclass Holocephali, distinguishing them from other cartilaginous fish.
Q4. Which Indian government initiative specifically supports deep-sea exploration and research, under which this discovery falls?
- Sagarmala Programme
- Blue Revolution
- Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
- National Fisheries Policy
Explanation: The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), launched by the Indian government in 2021, is a flagship initiative aimed at exploring deep-sea resources, developing deep-sea technologies, and understanding ocean climate change. This discovery aligns directly with the objectives of the DOM.
Q5. What advanced scientific technique, besides morphological analysis, was crucial for confirming the new species' identity?
- Radiocarbon dating
- Genetic sequencing (DNA barcoding)
- X-ray crystallography
- Mass spectrometry
Explanation: The identification of the new species was confirmed through a combination of morphological analysis and advanced genetic sequencing techniques, specifically DNA barcoding. This method compares unique genetic markers to distinguish new species from known ones.
How to Prepare Science & Technology for Government Exams — New Species of 'Ghost Shark' Discovered in Indian…
For Railway exams, make flashcards for every major ISRO launch — name, payload, purpose, date. These repeat frequently.
For SSC, focus on defence acquisitions and their strategic significance rather than technical specs.
For UPSC, connect every scientific development to policy — climate targets, digital India, health policy.
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