Why in news
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark Squalus hima from Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea
Squalus hima
Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae.
commonly known as spurdogs, and are characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines.
This species has been largely misidentified with S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei.
Squalus hima differs from other species by the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk & head heights, fin structure and fin colour
The shark species belonging to the genus Squalus and Centrophorus are exploited for their liver oil that contains high levels of squalene (or squalane is when it is processed for products).
It is in high demand for pharmaceutical industries particularly for making high end cosmetic products and anti cancerous products
COMMENTS