Indiaphonte Bijoyi

Researchers have discovered a microscopic crustacean from the Kavaratti lagoon in Lakshadweep, which has now been formally established as a new genus and a new species.

About Crustaceans

• New Genus and Species: The crustacean has been named Indiaphonte bijoyi, representing both a new genus and a new species.

• • Etymology
    • Naming: The genus name Indiaphonte honours India, while the species name bijoyi honours Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
• Scientific Classification: It belongs to the family Laophontidae, under the class Copepoda and the order Harpacticoida.
  • Copepods are tiny crustaceans (usually ~1 – 2 mm long) found in marine and freshwater habitats.
• Microscopic Nature: The organism is extremely small and can be studied only under a microscope.
• Morphological Characteristics:
  • Body Structure: The species has a semi-cylindrical and depressed body, wider in the middle and tapering towards the posterior end.
  • Appendages: It possesses antennae-like appendages at the front.
  • Size Range:
    • Females measure 518 to 772 micrometres in length.
    • Males measure 508 to 756 micrometres in length
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Females are slightly larger than males.
• Ecological Classification:
  • Meiofauna: Indiaphonte bijoyi is part of the meiofauna, a group of tiny invertebrates less than 1 millimetre in size that live within aquatic sediments.
  • Family Diversity: The family Laophontidae includes about 350 species across 77 genera, making it one of the most diverse families within Harpacticoida

Ecological and Economic Significance

• Ecosystem Health: Despite their size, harpacticoid copepods play a vital role in marine and freshwater ecosystems.
• Nutrient Cycling: Harpacticoid copepods can produce and convert omega-3 fatty acids, including Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which are crucial for fish and shellfish growth.
• Food Web Role: They are widely used in aquaculture and fisheries as live feed for fish larvae, contributing to food security.
• Bio-indicators: Due to their high sensitivity to pollution, oil spills, heavy metals, and climate change, they serve as reliable indicators of environmental change.

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Scientific Importance of the New Genus

• Distinct Morphology: The genus Indiaphonte is considered new because it shows a unique combination of morphological traits not matching any previously recorded genus in Laophontidae

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