News: Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have found a rare fish from Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar.

About Scorpaenospsis Neglecta

• It is a band-tail scorpionfish well-known for its stinging venomous spines and ability to change colour.
• It was found during an underwater exploratory survey of the seagrass ecosystem in the region by the Kochi headquartered CMFRI scientists.
• The fish has the ability to change colour and blend with its surrounding environment to escape from predators and while preying.
• The fish is called ‘scorpionfish’ because its spines contain neurotoxic venom.
• The fish can even detect respiratory ventilation flows produced by crabs at a distance of 10 cm in a dark environment because of a highly evolved sensory system.
•  This was the first time that the particular species was found alive in Indian waters.