What are the main threats to this species?

Like many marine species in the Bay of Bengal, Lutjanus arakan faces threats from: Overfishing: It is often caught as "bycatch" or targeted in commercial bottom trawling. Habitat Loss: Siltation and rising sea temperatures affecting the coral reefs in the Northern Bay of Bengal. Lack of Data: Because it is a new discovery, its specific population trends aren't fully known, making it harder to protect.

Discovery of Lutjanus arakan: UPSC Current Affairs

Q: What is Lutjanus arakan?

It is a species of snapper (marine fish) belonging to the family Lutjanidae. While it looks similar to other common snappers, it was officially recognized as a distinct, new-to-science species around 2021-2022.

Q: Where is its habitat located?

The species is primarily found in the Northern Bay of Bengal, specifically along the Arakan (Rakhine) coast of Myanmar. It inhabits offshore coral reefs and rocky bottoms at depths ranging from 20 to 50 metres.

Description

Why In News?

A snapper species, Lutjanus arakan, was recently discovered in Indian waters for the first time by researchers.

About SNAPPER SPECIES

Taxonomy: Snappers belong to the marine fish family Lutjanidae.
Habitat: They are found in tropical and subtropical marine regions.
Diversity in India: India is home to over 45 species of snappers associated specifically with coral reef ecosystems.
Ecological Role: These nocturnal mid-level predators are vital to marine food webs.
Conservation Status: Majority of snapper species in Indian waters are classified as Least Concern (LC).

About LUTJANUS ARAKAN

Lutjanus arakan is a newly recorded marine fish belonging to the snapper family (Lutjanidae).
Location: It was documented for the first time in Indian waters at Gopalpur-on-Sea in the Ganjam district of Odisha.

Geographical Distribution

Previous Range: Before being discovered in Odisha, the species had only been recorded off the coast of Bangladesh.
General Habitat: Like most snappers, they are found in tropical and subtropical regions, frequently associating with reef and coastal ecosystems.

Distinctive Physical Features

Colouration: It is distinguished by a unique reddish-silver hue.
Stripes: It features a series of four dark-reddish-brown horizontal stripes that extend from its head to its posterior.
Fins & Upper Body: Upper body is mostly dark brown to blackish, its median fins are dark reddish brown, and its paired fins appear translucent pinkish.

Ecological Significance

Food Web Role: In marine ecosystems, snappers like Lutjanus arakan play a vital ecological role by acting as mid-level predators.

Source: ODISHATV

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which type of organism is Lutjanus arakan, recently recorded in Indian waters for the first time?

a. Migratory seabird

b. Snapper fish

c. Freshwater turtle

d. Marine butterfly

Answer: B

Explanation:

Lutjanus arakan is a species of snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It was recently recorded for the first time in Indian waters off the coast of Gopalpur-on-Sea in Odisha.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is a species of snapper (marine fish) belonging to the family Lutjanidae. While it looks similar to other common snappers, it was officially recognized as a distinct, new-to-science species around 2021-2022.

The species is primarily found in the Northern Bay of Bengal, specifically along the Arakan (Rakhine) coast of Myanmar. It inhabits offshore coral reefs and rocky bottoms at depths ranging from 20 to 50 metres.

Like many marine species in the Bay of Bengal, Lutjanus arakan faces threats from:

Overfishing: It is often caught as "bycatch" or targeted in commercial bottom trawling.
Habitat Loss: Siltation and rising sea temperatures affecting the coral reefs in the Northern Bay of Bengal.
Lack of Data: Because it is a new discovery, its specific population trends aren't fully known, making it harder to protect.