New Flying Fish Species Discovered in Indian Ocean

Berhampur, Feb 6: Researchers from the Estuarine Biology Regional Centre in Gopalpur, Ganjam district, have discovered a new species of flying fish, Cheilopogon arcticeps, in the Indian Ocean. The discovery was made in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India.

The species was first identified at the Petuaghat fish landing center in West Bengal. It is characterized by its elongated, broad pectoral fins and lacks the black markings found in similar species. While previously recorded in regions like China, the Philippines, and Japan, the fish is typically found in coastal waters rather than the open sea.

This new addition brings the total number of known flying fish species worldwide to 80, with 24 recorded along India’s coastline. The research findings were published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association. Fortunately, the species poses no threat to humans.