Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Skate in Arabian Sea
Scientists have found a new kind of flat, shark-related fish in the deep ocean.
They discovered it in the Arabian Sea near Kerala, India.
The fish lives between 400 and 600 metres below the surface, where there is very little light.
It can grow to about 1.3 metres long.
Scientists noticed five rows of thorn-like structures on its tail.
Genetic tests showed that it is different from a related fish called the Travancore Skate.
The species had been mistaken for another skate for more than 40 years.
Scientists say it needs protection because these fish grow slowly, have few babies and can be caught accidentally by fishing boats.
ZSI, CMFRI and international experts discovered a new deep-sea skate species off India’s southwestern coast.
The Arabian skate was found at depths of 400 to 600 metres off Kerala and in the Wadge Bank region.
The skate can grow to about 1.3 metres and has five rows of thorn-like structures along its tail.
Physical examinations and genetic tests distinguished it from the Travancore Skate by about 3.8 to 4.7 per cent.
Scientists warned that slow reproduction and frequent capture as bycatch make the species vulnerable to overfishing.
- Who
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and international experts, including David A. Ebert.
- What
- They discovered and identified a new deep-sea skate species, commonly called the Arabian skate.
- When
- The discovery was reported on September 1; the species had remained unidentified for more than four decades.
- Where
- In the Arabian Sea off India’s southwestern coast, at depths of 400 to 600 metres near Kerala and the Wadge Bank region.
- Why
- The discovery expands knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity and can support monitoring and conservation of vulnerable marine habitats.
- Common name
- Arabian skate
- Maximum length
- About 1.3 metres
- Recorded depth
- 400 to 600 metres
- Discovery area
- Arabian Sea off Kerala and the Wadge Bank region
- Distinctive feature
- Five rows of thorn-like structures along the tail
- Genetic distinction
- About 3.8 to 4.7 per cent difference from the Travancore Skate
- Research programme
- Ministry of Earth Sciences Deep Ocean Mission