Rare Marine Amphipod Stenothoe lowryi Discovered in Indian Waters

Researchers from Berhampur University have discovered a rare marine amphipod species, Stenothoe lowryi, in Indian waters for the first time.

• The species was found at Arjyapalli in Ganjam district.
• Previously, the species had only been reported from the coastal waters of Malaysia.

About Stenothoe lowryi

• It is a shrimp-like crustacean belonging to the family Stenothoidae within the order Amphipoda.
• The discovery expands the known geographical distribution of the species to Indian waters.

About Amphipods

• Amphipods are small shrimp-like crustaceans characterized by:
  • Narrow bodies
  • Curved or hump-backed shape
• They are commonly known as:
  • Beach fleas
  • Sand hoppers
  • Sand fleas

Biodiversity and Classification

• Amphipods are one of the most species-rich crustacean groups.
• In terms of species diversity, they rank after:
  • Decapoda
  • Isopoda.
• The order Amphipoda is divided into six suborders.

Habitat

• Amphipods inhabit a wide range of environments:
  • Marine ecosystems
  • Freshwater bodies
  • Terrestrial habitats
  • Subterranean environments
• Although most species are marine, over 1,900 species live in freshwater ecosystems.

Significance

• Amphipods often form a large proportion of biomass in coastal ecosystems, playing a crucial role in marine food webs and ecological balance.
• The discovery highlights the rich and still underexplored marine biodiversity of India’s eastern coastline.

Sources: ToI & ZSI