This new species, Taningia silasii sp. nov., differs from congeners in a combination of traits

'Indian Octopus Squid' Discovered in Arabian Sea: Second of its Rare Genus

INDIA
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Deep-Sea Find Off Kerala Coast Confirmed as Unique Species via DNA Barcoding

Kochi—Scientists at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have announced the discovery of a new species of giant deep-sea squid in the Arabian Sea. The new species, scientifically named Taningia silasii, is only the second confirmed member of the globally rare genus Taningia, previously thought to be monotypic (containing only one species).

Location of Kochi Kerala (Source: Wikipedia) -->

A Curious Bycatch Leads to Scientific Breakthrough

The sole specimen leading to this discovery was collected in March 2024 as a bycatch by a commercial trawler operating off the coast of Kollam district, Kerala. The catch occurred at a depth of approximately 390 meters, with the specimen landed at Sakthikulangara harbour, located near the confluence of Ashtamudi lake and the Arabian Sea.

The research team, led by Principal Scientist Dr. Geetha Sasikumar and Technical Officer K.K. Sajikumar, alongside research scholars Shijin Ameri and Toji Thomas, studied the specimen at the CMFRI in Kochi city. Their findings were formally published in the international journal Marine Biodiversity.

"We have been studying cephalopods in the Arabian Sea for more than a decade, and this 'octopus squid' was something we had never encountered," said Dr. Sasikumar.

Distinctive Traits and Genetic Divergence

Until now, Taningia danae, found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, was the only known species of the genus. The new species, T. silasii, exhibits crucial differences:

• Octopus-like Appearance: This squid belongs to the family Octopoteuthidae, whose adult members uniquely possess only eight arms and lack the two long tentacles typically seen in other squid species. This feature has earned it the common name 'Indian octopus squid'.

• Genetic Confirmation: DNA barcoding provided the most compelling evidence, showing a significant genetic divergence of more than 11% from the Atlantic species, confirming T. silasii as a distinct species.

• Morphological Differences: Key physical distinctions include a reduced number of gill lamellae (26 in T. silasii compared to 38 to 44 in T. danae), an uniquely oval-shaped funnel-mantle locking cartilage, and different features in its lower beak structure.

Description of a new species of deep-sea squid genus Taningia (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) at the study

The collected specimen, an estimated subadult, measured 45 cm in dorsal mantle length and weighed approximately 1.7 kg. Although its sex was not definitively confirmed due to missing internal organs, the presence of spermatangia suggests it was likely a female shortly after mating.

Named in Honor of a Pioneer

The species name, silasii, pays tribute to the late marine biologist and former CMFRI director, Dr. E.G. Silas (1928–2018), who was a pioneer of cephalopod research in India.

The Taningia genus is known for its members' capacity to attain giant sizes, with T. danae reported to grow up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) in length and weigh over 61.4 kg.

Exploring the Deep-Sea Habitat

Taningia squids are inhabitants of the ocean's deep zones—the mesopelagic (twilight zone) to the bathypelagic (midnight zone), typically between 200 to 2,000 meters deep. This extreme habitat makes the creatures incredibly rare and challenging to study, often requiring expensive remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The discovery reinforces the view that the deep waters of the Indian Ocean are a biodiversity hotspot, holding vast, unexplored life forms, and highlights the critical need for continued funding and exploration to better understand these mysterious ecosystems.

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