Wed Sep 24 12:06:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) in Kochi have discovered a new species of finless snake eel off the Colachel coast in India. The eel, named *Apterichtus kanniyakumari* after the Kanniyakumari district, was found at a depth of 100 meters. The discovery was confirmed through morphological and DNA analysis. The eel is distinguished by unique features like its head and tail length ratio, golden-yellow coloration, and specific pore and teeth arrangements. This marks the 16th species discovered from the Indian coast by the NBFGR team and highlights the biodiversity richness of the region.

**News Article:**

**New Finless Snake Eel Species Discovered Off Indian Coast, Named After Kanniyakumari**

**NAGERCOIL, India – September 24, 2025** – A new species of finless snake eel has been identified off the coast of Colachel in Tamil Nadu, India. Researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) in Kochi, working under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, have named the eel *Apterichtus kanniyakumari* in honor of the Kanniyakumari district’s cultural and historical significance.

The discovery, published in the latest issue of the international journal *Zootaxa*, details the characteristics of the new species, which was found at a depth of 100 meters during deep-sea trawling. Principal Scientist T.T. Ajith Kumar explained that extensive morphological and DNA analysis confirmed the eel was previously unknown to science.

*Apterichtus kanniyakumari* is distinguished by its golden-yellow body coloration, unique head and tail length ratios, specific pore arrangements, and conical teeth. Molecular analysis further confirmed its distinct genetic lineage.

“Kanniyakumari has a rich biodiversity that needs to be explored further,” stated Mr. Ajith Kumar, highlighting that this is the 16th species discovered from the Indian coast by the NBFGR team. He emphasized the importance of continued research to unlock the hidden biodiversity of the Arabian Sea and ensure the sustainable management of marine resources.

The discovery underscores the region’s untapped biodiversity and the crucial role of systematic surveys and taxonomic research in protecting it.

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