# New Shark Species Identified in Indian Ocean After Decades of Misclassification Indian researchers confirm the Indian Bramble Shark as a distinct species through genetic analysis. - **Source:** [Science News | Latest Updates on Scientific Discoveries | The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/02b4eed1-7600-4f76-be37-c2944e1a57fd ## Taxonomic Correction Confirmed Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India and ICAR-CMFRI have identified a new shark species, Echinorhinus roinee. Long misclassified as its Atlantic counterpart, the Indian Bramble Shark was confirmed as distinct through rigorous DNA testing. This discovery corrects decades of scientific records regarding deep-sea shark populations in the Indian Ocean region. ## Discovery Through Accidental Catch The specimens were collected at the Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour in Kollam, Kerala. These sharks were brought ashore as accidental bycatch by deep-sea shrimp trawlers operating in the region. This incidental collection provided the necessary biological samples for scientists to conduct detailed morphological and genetic comparisons against known Atlantic and Pacific species. ## Distinct Physical Characteristics The Indian Bramble Shark features a dark brown to black body covered in thorn-like structures that form plates with age. Compared to related species, this shark possesses larger eyes, bigger pelvic fins, and a longer snout-to-gill region. These specific anatomical differences were critical in distinguishing it from the Atlantic bramble shark. ## Genetic and Geographic Scope DNA analysis confirmed the species is genetically unique from the Atlantic bramble shark and the Pacific prickly shark. Beyond the Indian coast, genetic records suggest the species likely inhabits waters near Oman, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This indicates a broader distribution pattern than previously assumed for this deep-sea predator in the ocean. ## Deep-Sea Habitat Details These sharks inhabit the underwater slopes of the continental shelf at depths ranging from 350 to 450 metres. They are capable of growing up to three metres in length, making them a significant presence in the deep-sea ecosystem. Understanding their specific habitat preferences is essential for future marine biodiversity conservation efforts. ## Impact on Marine Records The long-standing misclassification has historically skewed fisheries records and previous marine ecology studies in the region. ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee noted that this identification highlights how much deep-sea biodiversity remains poorly understood. Correcting these records is vital for accurate scientific documentation and the effective management of regional marine biological resources. ## Research Funding and Support The study was conducted by a team including Praveen Rozario, Bineesh K.K., and others from the ZSI and ICAR-CMFRI. Their research was supported by funding from the Ministry of Earth Sciences under India’s Deep Ocean Mission. The findings were officially published in the journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Volume 126. ## Broader Scientific Implications This identification serves as a reminder of the vast, unexplored marine biodiversity within the Indian Ocean. By utilizing modern genetic tools, scientists are slowly unraveling complex taxonomic errors that have persisted for generations. Future research will likely focus on assessing the population status and ecological role of this newly identified shark species. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/new-shark-species-identified-in-indian-ocean-after-decades-of-misclassification/article71694050.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._