1 June 2020.

Introduction:

 The researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a rare fish from Sethukarai coast of Tamil Nadu in the Gulf of Mannar. It was found during an underwater exploratory survey of seagrass ecosystem in the region.This is the first time that this species is found live in Indian waters.

About Scorpion Fish:

• It is a band-tailed rare marine species well- known for stinging venomous spines and the ability to change colour.
• Its zoological name is-(Scorpaenospsis neglecta.
•  It has the ability to change its colour and blend with its surrounding environment to escape from predators and while hunting its preys.
•   Within seconds, the skin of the fish changes its colour.
• The fish is called ‘scorpionfish’ because its spines contain neurotoxic venom. When the spines pierce an individual, the venom gets injected immediately and eating this fish would lead to fatal death.
• It is a nocturnal feeder and feeds during night time with an ability to attack and suck its prey in lightning speed.

Gulf of Mannar:

The Gulf of Mannar  is a large shallow bay in the Indian Ocean. It lies between the west coast of Sri Lanka and the southeastern tip of India, in the Coromandel Coast region. The chain of low islands and reefs known as Ramsethu, also called Adam’s Bridge, which includes Mannar Island, separates the Gulf of Mannar from Palk Bay, which lies to the north between Sri Lanka and India. Gulf of Mannar is a biosphere reserve.

What is Biosphere Reserve?

• Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Biosphere reserves serve in some ways as “’ living laboaratories” for testing out and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity. Collectively, biosphere reserves form a World  Network. Within this network,exc hanges of information, experiences and personnel are facilitated.
• The Indian government has established 18 biosphere reserves inIndia^.(categories roughly corresponding to IUCN Category V Protected areas), which protect larger areas of natural habitat than a typical national park or animal sanctuary, and often include one or more national parks or preserves, along with buffer zones that are open to some economic uses. Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.

1.Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

2. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

3.Gulf of Mannar.

4. Nokrek.

5. Sunderbans.

6. Manas.

7.Simlipal.

8.Dihang- Dibang.

9. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

10. Achanak- Amarkantak Reserve.

11. Great Rann of Kutch.

12.Cold Desert.

13. Kanchendzonga.

14.Agasthamalaya Biosphere Reserve.

15. Great Nicobar.

16. Dibru-Saikhowa.

17 Seshachalam Hills

18 Panna.