New seahorse species identified by Kerala researchers
The new species, named after noted marine biologist Amanda Vincent, was collected from the fish bycatch at the Tuticorin fisheries harbour
Marine experts in Kerala have identified a new seahorse species, solving a 150-year-old taxonomic confusion, according to recent research. The new species, Hippocampus amandavincentae, was previously misidentified as Hippocampus histrix. Earlier, another lesser-known species, Hippocampus jayakari, was also wrongly attributed to Hippocampus histrix.
The new species, named after marine biologist Amanda Vincent, was found in fish bycatch at the Tuticorin fisheries harbour. The researchers, from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), published their findings in the journal Zootaxa. This is the fifth known seahorse species discovered off the Kerala coast. The thorny seahorse, once believed to be widespread across the Indian Ocean, was found to be three distinct species, according to the study.
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