Rare Marine Amphipod Stenothoe lowryi Recorded in Indian Waters for the First Time

Berhampur University Researchers Discover Rare Amphipod Species off Odisha Coast

Researchers from Berhampur University have documented the presence of a rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species, Stenothoe lowryi , in Indian waters for the first time. The discovery occurred at Arjyapalli along the rocky coastline of Ganjam district in Odisha during a scientific survey of coastal habitats. Earlier, this species had only been recorded in Malaysia , making the finding significant for marine biodiversity studies in the Indian Ocean region.

Discovery and Research Initiative

The study was led by Shesdev Patro , Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Berhampur University. The work formed part of the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) , which is funded by the Odisha State Higher Education Council for the 2024–25 academic session.

During field investigations conducted in January last year, researchers collected eight specimens of the amphipod from rocky coastal environments at Arjyapalli. After detailed morphological examination and taxonomic comparison, the specimens were confirmed as Stenothoe lowryi . This confirmation marks the first recorded occurrence of the species in Indian marine ecosystems .

Scientific Identification and Publication

The research findings were published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , a reputed international scientific journal. Scientists identified the species based on distinctive features such as large claws and structural body characteristics typical of the genus Stenothoe .

The amphipod measures approximately 5.5 millimetres in length and belongs to a group of small crustaceans widely distributed across marine environments.

Ecological Significance

Although the ecological role of Stenothoe lowryi is still being investigated, amphipods generally play a vital role in marine food chains . They often function as an intermediate link between microscopic organisms and larger predators such as fish and invertebrates.

Researchers have initiated molecular and ecological analyses to better understand the species’ evolutionary relationships, behaviour and habitat preferences. Such studies can improve knowledge of coastal biodiversity and ecosystem functioning along India’s eastern shoreline.

Earlier Amphipod Discoveries in Odisha

The research team has previously reported several new amphipod species from Odisha’s coastal ecosystems. In January last year , they identified a species from Chilika Lagoon near Rambha , named Grandidierella geetanjalae in honour of Berhampur University’s Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali Dash .

Earlier, in November 2022 , another amphipod species discovered at Barkul in Chilika Lake was named Parhyale odian , recognising the Odia language. These discoveries underline the rich and still underexplored marine biodiversity of Odisha’s coastline.

Exam-Focused Points

• Stenothoe lowryi recorded for the first time in Indian waters .

• Discovered at Arjyapalli, Ganjam district, Odisha .

• Previously reported only from Malaysia .