New Seahorse Species — Hippocampus amandavincentae

Researchers from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) identified a new seahorse species.

Key Facts

• Scientific name: Hippocampus amandavincentae
• Publication: Zootaxa
• Specimens from:
  • Tuticorin Fisheries Harbour, Tamil Nadu
  • Anchuthengu, Kerala
• Resolved a 150-year-old taxonomic confusion
• Previously recognised Hippocampus histrix was found to comprise three distinct species.
• Named after marine biologist Amanda Vincent.
• It is the fifth recorded seahorse species from the Kerala coast according to the source.

UPSC Link

Marine biodiversity + Taxonomy + Conservation