New Fresh water fish “Punitus Sanctus” found

A new fresh water fish called Punitus Sanctus was found in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. The fish was found in a small water body.

Highlights

Sanctus means ‘holy’ in Latin. Punitus is a species of fish that are commonly found in the drains of western and eastern ghats and also in Eastern Himalayas.

About the Genus

The Genus Punitus is locally known as Kende in Tamil Nadu and Paral in Kerala. The Punitus belongs to the family of Cyprindae. Cyprindae is a family of fresh water fish. They are collectively called Cyprinids. The family includes barbs, goldfish, bitterlings and carps.

About Punitus sanctus

The fish was silver in colour. It grows to a maximum length of 7 cm. It has an extended mouth and hence is different from other species of the Punitus. The new fish found has now been deposited in the Zoological Survey of India.

Zoological Survey of India

The survey is conducted by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change. It was established in 1916. The survey is conducted to deepen the knowledge about the faunal diversity in the country.


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1 Comment

  1. Dr.Cajetan Coelho

    May 31, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    Velankanni in Tamil Nadu is a holy place of pilgrimage. Year after year, devotees from different religious backgrounds visit Velankanni.

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