Why in the News?

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus hima, from the Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea.

About Squalus hima

• Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs, characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines.
• The new species, Squalus hima sp. nov., has been misidentified with S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei in the past.
• Squalus hima differs from other species by the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin colour.

Comparison with Other Species

• On the Indian coast, two species of Squalus are found from the southwest coast of India.
• The new species, Squalus hima n.sp., is very similar to Squalus lalannei but differs in many characteristics.
• Species in the Squalus megalops group are characterized by an angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout, the first dorsal fin origin behind the pectoral fins, and a body without any spots.

Economic and Conservation Implications

• Sharks in the genus Squalus and Centrophorus are exploited for their liver oil, which contains high levels of squalene, used in high-end cosmetic and anti-cancer products.
• Fishermen from southern India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands harvest these sharks for their liver oil, making conservation of these species critical.

Importance of the Discovery

• The discovery of Squalus hima is significant for the conservation of shark species exploited for commercial purposes.
• Dogfish sharks are commercially important for their fins, liver oil, and meat and are sometimes caught as by-catch in fisheries targeting other species.

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