India’s first sighting of rare coral fish reported from Andhra Pradesh Coast

A four-year coral reef-related faunal survey off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, conducted by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), has unearthed a treasure trove of marine life, including many previously undocumented species. One of the important discoveries included the first discovery of India Entomacrodus thalassinusrare coral fish.

This species is found among intertidal coral reefs during low tide near Visakhapatnam Fishing Port. “Entomacrodus Gill is represented by four species –E. striatus; E. vermiculatus; E. epalzeocheilos and E. marmoratus. This current record confirms its existence Entomacrodus thalassinus from India for the first time. Previously recorded from Japan, French Polynesia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, New Caledonia, Seychelles, Madagascar. Entomacrodus thalassinus closely related to E. macrospiluswhich was recorded from the East and West Central Pacific,” said ZSI scientist JS Yogesh Kumar The Hindu.

Extensive research, led by ZSI scientist JS Yogesh Kumar and his team, with support from Livein Adventures and scuba diving instructors, has shed light on the rich biodiversity of India’s east coast. This study by ZSI explored the coral reef ecosystem from Pudimadaka Beach to Chintapalli beach, Vishakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh.

The study revealed 13 newly recorded sea slugs, 11 undocumented fish species, two new brachyuran crabs, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh along with the first of its kind in India. Entomacrodus thalassinus. These findings have been published in various scientific journals.

Whale shark

Among other finds is a medium-sized whale shark near the Santhapalli Rock off the coast of Visakhapatnam. Researchers recorded juvenile whale sharks at a depth of 10-15 meters, an important discovery that indicates potential changes in whale shark migration patterns, possibly influenced by environmental factors such as planktonic blooms and rising sea temperatures.

The survey, covering nine tidal sites from Pudimadaka to Santhapalli Rocks at depths between eight and 24 meters, included a detailed investigation of coral reefs and rock ecosystems. The ZSI team was assisted by Livein Adventures in the exploration, enabling specimen collection and data recording in the challenging underwater environment.

In addition to sea slugs, which are currently being studied for their anti-cancer and anti-viral potential, the research compiled a comprehensive checklist of 156 species of brachyuran crabs.

The report emphasizes the under-representation of Andhra Pradesh’s marine diversity in global records. The survey provides critical baseline data and calls for more research to protect species that contribute to the balance of coastal and reef ecosystems.

ZSI Center at Amaravati

The establishment of a new regional ZSI center in Amaravati, with two hectares of land allocated by the Capital Region Development Authority, is expected to accelerate research and conservation across the State. “This center will be a hub for documenting not only the marine fauna but the entire biodiversity of Andhra Pradesh,” said Mr. Yogesh.

“With the right government support, we can significantly expand our marine research efforts, unlocking the potential for further discoveries that contribute to scientific knowledge and eco-tourism. We encourage educational institutions and environmental organizations to integrate this knowledge into their curricula and awareness programs, “said Balaram Naidu, retired submariner, experienced sea explorer and founder of Livein Adventures.