In the crystal-clear waters of the Kavaratti lagoon in Lakshadweep, scientists have recently made a discovery that is invisible to the naked eye but massive for the world of science. They have identified a tiny, microscopic crustacean named Indiaphonte bijoyi. This creature is so unique that researchers didn’t just name a new species; they established an entirely new genus (a biological category above species) to classify it. This finds highlights India’s rich marine biodiversity and the hidden life thriving beneath the waves.
what is Indiaphonte bijoyi ?
Indiaphonte bijoyi is a type of copepod, a group of small crustaceans found in nearly every saltwater and freshwater habitat. Specifically, it belongs to the family Laophontidae. Scientists classify it as part of the meiofauna a group of tiny invertebrates that are less than 1 millimeter in size and live within the grains of sand and sediment at the bottom of the sea.
The naming of this creature carries a special meaning. The genus name, Indiaphonte, pays tribute to India, reflecting the nation’s growing role in marine research. The species name, bijoyi, honors S. Bijoy Nandan, a renowned Indian marine scientist and Professor at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), for his lifelong contribution to marine ecology.
Physical Features
Because Indiaphonte bijoyi is microscopic, you cannot see its beauty without a powerful lens. Researchers from CUSAT, led by Neelima Vasu K., used advanced microscopy to study its body.
- Size: These creatures are incredibly small. Females measure between 518 and 772 micrometres, while males are slightly smaller, ranging from 508 to 756 micrometres.
- Body Shape: It has a semi-cylindrical body that is slightly flattened. The middle part of the body is the widest, and it tapers (gets thinner) toward the back.
- Appendages: Like many of its relatives, it has antennae-like structures at the front. It also features specialized swimming legs and a tail part (caudal rami) that help it navigate the tight spaces between sand grains.
One of the most interesting scientific details about this new genus is the lack of sexual dimorphism in certain leg parts. In most similar species, males and females have very different leg structures, but in Indiaphonte bijoyi, they look remarkably similar. This rare trait is one of the main reasons scientists decided it deserved its own genus
Importance
You might wonder why a creature smaller than a grain of salt matters. In reality, these microscopic animals are the “engine room” of the ocean.
- Nutrient Recycling: Meiofauna like Indiaphonte bijoyi eat bacteria and microalgae. By doing this, they break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, keeping the lagoon healthy.
- The Food Web: These tiny crustaceans serve as a vital food source for young fish and shrimp. Without them, the larger marine animals we see and the fish humans eat would struggle to survive.
- Healthy Fats: Harpacticoid copepods are famous for producing essential Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). They convert simple algae into these high-energy fats, which then move up the food chain to provide nutrition for humans.
- Environmental Indicators: These organisms are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Scientists use them as “bio-indicators” to monitor pollution, oil spills, and the impacts of climate change on our oceans
