A researcher from the Department of Zoology, BJM Government College, Chavara, in Kollam (Tamil Nadu) has discovered a new species of small freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae in Melankanni. The silver-hued fish has been named Puntius sanctus —after the popular pilgrim town.
- Researcher Mathews Plamoottil has identified and named the new fish species.
- The fish can grows to a length of 7 cm. It is used both as food and as an aquarium draw.
- The Puntius species are known locally as ‘Paral’ in Kerala and ‘Kende’ in Tamil Nadu.
Source: The Hindu