Actinarctus odissi: New Marine Water Bear Species Discovered Off Odisha Coast

wings Compared to other species in the genus Sensory organs Simple, un-split, short on back legs Back texture Heavily sculptured with tiny trombone-shaped pillars Tardigrade nicknames Water bears, moss-piglets Number of known tardigrade species About 1,300 Marine tardigrade share 17% of all tardigrade species Tardigrade size 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm Legs per body Four pairs, each ending in 4–8 claws Survival state “Tun” state – body dries out, metabolism drops to 0.01% Can survive Heat, cold, UV radiation, outer space

---

FAQs

Q1: What is Actinarctus odissi?
Ans:  Actinarctus odissi is a newly discovered species of tardigrade (marine water bear).

Q2: Where was Actinarctus odissi discovered?
Ans:  It was discovered in the shallow marine waters of the Bay of Bengal near Markandi in Odisha.

Q3: What is the body shape of Actinarctus odissi?
Ans:  It has a dome-shaped body.

Q4: What are tardigrades commonly called?
Ans:  Tardigrades are commonly called “water bears” or “moss-piglets.”

Q5: How long can tardigrades survive in the tun state?
Ans:  They can survive as tuns for years or even decades.