Indian Scientists Discover New Blue-Green Chromis Species From Lakshadweep

Indian marine scientists have uncovered a previously unrecognised species of colourful reef fish from the waters around Lakshadweep, revealing that one of the world’s familiar blue-green damselfishes has actually been hiding more than one species under a single scientific name.

Scientists from the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, have described the new species as Chromis veneta sp. nov., following detailed genetic and morphological studies of blue-green chromis collected during marine biodiversity research in Lakshadweep.

ICAR officially announced the discovery on September 8, 2026.

One Familiar Fish Turns Out to Be Two Species

For years, blue-green chromis occurring across Indo-Pacific coral reefs and appearing widely in the ornamental fish trade were generally identified as Chromis viridis.

However, ICAR-NBFGR researchers found that fish grouped under this familiar name actually represent two distinct species.

The discovery emerged from research originally aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and developing sustainable captive-breeding alternatives for reef fishes used around Lakshadweep.

Researchers subsequently combined genetic evidence with detailed morphological examination, revealing clear differences sufficient to recognise Chromis veneta as a separate species.

Subtle Differences Hidden Behind Similar Colour

At first glance, Chromis veneta closely resembles Chromis viridis. Both display the characteristic attractive blue-green coloration associated with these coral-reef damselfishes.

Closer scientific examination, however, revealed differences in several features.

According to ICAR, the new species differs in its body shape, pigmentation, fin margins, caudal-fin structure, teeth, gill-raker counts and the morphology of its sagittal otoliths, the small structures found within the inner ear of fishes.

Genetic evidence further supported the conclusion that the two forms represent separate species rather than simple geographical or colour variations.

Lakshadweep Research Led to the Discovery

The discovery has its origins in ICAR-NBFGR’s continuing marine biodiversity and conservation work in Lakshadweep’s coral ecosystems.

Blue-green damselfishes have traditionally been used as live bait in the yellowfin tuna fishery around the islands.

To develop more sustainable alternatives and reduce pressure on naturally occurring reef-fish populations, ICAR-NBFGR began research on captive breeding of these fishes.

Experimental breeding successes were reported through research published in 2024. Continued investigation of the animals subsequently revealed the unexpected taxonomic distinction that led to the description of Chromis veneta.

New Species Also Found in Gulf of Mannar

The discovery is not restricted to Lakshadweep.

ICAR-NBFGR has confirmed the presence of Chromis veneta in Indian waters from both Lakshadweep and the Gulf of Mannar.

Available scientific evidence also indicates that the species has a much wider international distribution.

Specimens corresponding to C. veneta have been identified from Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji and Lizard Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

This suggests that the species may be distributed across a considerable part of the Indo-Pacific and may have remained scientifically hidden because of its close resemblance to C. viridis.

Ornamental Fish Trade May Have Misidentified It for Decades

The discovery could also have important consequences for the international marine ornamental fish trade.

Blue-green chromis are popular aquarium fishes and are collected and traded across several countries.

ICAR researchers say Chromis veneta may therefore have been collected, exported and sold for decades under the name Chromis viridis.

Correct identification is important because conservation assessments, collection limits, captive-breeding programmes and monitoring of international ornamental fish trade all depend upon knowing precisely which species are being harvested.

Why Correct Species Identification Matters

The discovery illustrates a broader challenge in marine conservation: visually similar animals can sometimes conceal substantial genetic diversity.

If two species are incorrectly treated as one, scientists can underestimate biodiversity or fail to recognise that one of those species has a more limited distribution or faces different ecological pressures.

Accurate taxonomy therefore provides the foundation for species conservation, reef monitoring, captive breeding and sustainable utilisation of marine resources.

ICAR-NBFGR Director Dr Kajal Chakraborty said the finding had revealed a previously hidden component of reef biodiversity and could change how one of the world’s widely recognised damselfishes is identified and traded.

Lakshadweep Reveals More Hidden Marine Biodiversity

The discovery adds to a growing series of findings emerging from scientific surveys of India’s island and coral-reef ecosystems.

ICAR-NBFGR has been conducting extensive work in Lakshadweep involving marine ornamental fishes, crustaceans, germplasm conservation and captive propagation.

In July 2026, the institute also announced the discovery of a new porcelain crab from Agatti Island in Lakshadweep, highlighting how much biological diversity remains to be scientifically documented within India’s coral ecosystems.

The identification of Chromis veneta now adds another species to that growing record.

What began as research into sustainable use and captive breeding of a familiar reef fish has ultimately demonstrated that Lakshadweep’s waters still contain biological diversity hiding in plain sight.

---