In a significant contribution to marine biology, researchers from Berhampur University have discovered a rare marine amphipod, a shrimp-like crustacean, from the coastal village of Arjyapalli in Ganjam district, Odisha. This is the first time such a species has been identified in the region.
Discovery and Naming
The newly discovered species has been named Elasmopus arjyaensis, after the location where it was found. The specimens were collected from the rocky intertidal coast of Arjyapalli in October last year. Through detailed morphological analysis and DNA sequencing, the researchers confirmed it as a new species under the genus Elasmopus.
Significance of the Discovery
According to Shesdev Patro, assistant professor in the marine science department and lead researcher, this discovery increases the total number of known species in the Elasmopus genus to 126 worldwide. In India, the count now stands at 12, with this being the first record from Odisha. Patro emphasized that this finding underscores the rich yet underexplored marine biodiversity of the state.
Research Funding and Publication
The study was supported by the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) of the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) for the 2024-25 period. The findings were published in the international journal Marine Biodiversity on Monday. The species may have a wider Indo-Pacific distribution, as related genetic sequences have also been reported from China.
Distinctive Features and Ecological Role
Shreeraj Nahak, a researcher and co-author, noted that the species is distinguished by its claws and preference for rocky environments. Although its ecological role is not yet fully understood, Suman Patra, another co-author, believes it likely contributes significantly to the marine food web. This discovery highlights the need for more comprehensive assessments of marine amphipod diversity along the Indian coasts.
