Indian scientists discover new deep-sea squid species in Arabian Sea

Technology Nov 21, 2025

Indian scientists recently discovered a new deep-sea squid species, Taningia silasii, at a depth of 390 meters off Kollam.
This 45cm-long squid is part of the Octopoteuthidae family—fun fact, adults in this group don't have tentacles!

Named for a legend and a big deal for marine science

Nicknamed the "octopus squid" because of its eight arms, Taningia silasii was named to honor E.G. Silas, a renowned Indian cephalopod expert and former CMFRI director.
It's only the second known member of its rare genus (the other lives in the Atlantic).