# Scientists identify new deep-sea catshark off Kerala coast 2026-08-06T22:56:05+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Scientists have described Apristurus drona, a new deepwater catshark species found off Kerala’s coast. Researchers identified it from four specimens collected as bycatch from deep-sea shrimp trawlers at depths of 400 to 650 metres near Kollam, and at Sakthikulangara Fisheries Harbour. Morphological and DNA analyses found the fish distinct from related species. Its genetic difference from its closest known relative was 5.5% to 5.7%. The species was described in a paper published in Zootaxa earlier this year, as part of a Ministry of Earth Sciences Deep Ocean Mission project. The researchers said A. drona’s abundance, distribution, biology and mortality rates remain unknown, leaving it data-deficient. It is the first Apristurus species recorded from India’s southwest coast. Scientists also said records of four other Apristurus species in Indian waters remain uncertain. ## Coverage - india.mongabay.com Tags: deep sea, Kerala, marine biodiversity, sharks, taxonomy Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/scientists-identify-new-deep-sea-catshark-off-kerala-coast/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/scientists-identify-new-deep-sea-catshark-off-kerala-coast/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.