Facciolella Smithi

 Facciolella Smithi : Recently, a new species of deep-sea eel, Facciolella smithi (commonly known as Smith’s Witch Eel), was discovered by researchers from the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow. The eel was found in the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast, at depths between 260 and 460 meters.

• About Facciolella Smithi : Belongs to the Nettastomatidae family.

o Habitat and Behavior: Likely inhabits the seafloor or burrows into soft sediments, navigating the dark deep-sea environment using sensory adaptations rather than vision.

o Name Dedication: Named in honour of Dr. David G. Smith, a renowned ichthyologist known for his work in eel taxonomy.

o Body Structure: Has an elongated, ribbon-like body, reaching just over two feet in length, allowing smooth movement in deep-sea waters.

o Coloration: Features a two-tone body: Upper half: Rich brown and Underside: Milky white

ü This contrast may help in camouflage in low-light oceanic conditions.

o Head and Snout: Possesses a large head with a duckbill-like snout, giving it a distinctive and somewhat prehistoric appearance.

o Eyes and Vision: Despite the large head, the eyes are small, adapted to the low-light deep-sea environment where vision plays a limited role.