New cobia species

The discovery of two new species of cobia fish - off the Makran coast in Pakistan - adds to the rich marine biodiversity of the northern Arabian Sea. The two new species - Rachycentron blochii (Blotchy Cobia) and Rachycentron makranensis (Makran Cobia) - have so far only been spotted in Pakistan, according to scientists Sher Khan Panhwar and Imtiaz Kashani who had visited Gwadar fish harbour in November last year to survey the catch.

A research has been conducted by the two mentioned Pakistan scientists in what marks an initial attempt to evaluate the phenotypic plasticity - i.e. the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental conditions - among cobia species found in the northern Arabian Sea. According to the research, Blotchy Cobia - having small eyes, pointed snouts and small teeth on their jaws, tongues and the roof of their mouths - measured about 3 feet long and weighed about 8 pounds. And Makran cobia - whose head is short and pointed and who has moderate-sized eyes and small teeth on its jaws, tongue and the roof of its mouth - measured about 2.5 feet long and weighed about 6 pounds.

According to experts, due to its large size and good market demand, cobia has been an important species for scientific study. It can attain a large size: an 11-year-old cobia can measure as long as 5.2 feet and weigh as much as 110 pounds. The presence of cobia off Pakistan's coast shows that the marine biodiversity have mechanisms to thrive and produce new species. This is the kind of potential that we can tap, by launching new research to start with. Pakistan can lead such a research while asking international experts to visit the country and explore the potential of our fisheries. This can help enhance the local fishing industry, not just helping the fishermen and other stakeholders, but also contributing to the blue economy.