Indiaphonte bijoyi-A tiny crustacean discovered in Lakshadweep

Scientists have discovered a tiny crustacean from the Kavaratti lagoon in the Lakshadweep islands that has been established as both a new genus and a new species. The organism belongs to the family Laophontidae under the class Copepoda and is so small that it can be studied only under a microscope.

Named Indiaphonte bijoyi
The newly identified crustacean has been named Indiaphonte bijoyi. The generic name Indiaphonte honours India, while the species name bijoyi recognises S. Bijoy Nandan, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), and former Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University.

Published in Zootaxa
Details of the discovery have been published in the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa, highlighting its significance for marine biodiversity studies.

Distinct Physical Features
Indiaphonte bijoyi has a semi-cylindrical, depressed body that is widest at the middle and tapers towards the posterior. It also bears antennae-like appendages at the front, a characteristic feature of many copepods.

Part of Meiofauna Community
The species belongs to the meiofauna—tiny invertebrate animals less than one millimetre in size that live in sediments of aquatic environments. These organisms play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, particularly in nutrient cycling.

About the Laophontidae Family
The family Laophontidae comprises around 350 species across 77 genera, making it one of the most diverse families within the order Harpacticoida.

Ecological and Nutritional Importance
Harpacticoid copepods are known for their ability to produce and convert omega-3 fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). These fatty acids are essential for the growth of fish and shellfish and contribute significantly to human nutritional security.

Crustacea: A Diverse Subphylum
The subphylum Crustacea includes a wide range of organisms such as lobsters, crabs, crayfish, shrimps, copepods, and barnacles, underscoring the evolutionary and ecological diversity of this group.

Source: TH