Scientists Uncover Novel Meiofauna Species in Kavaratti Lagoon, Highlighting Marine Biodiversity

Novel Microscopic Crustacean Discovered in Lakshadweep’s Lagoon Ecosystem

Scientists have identified a minute crustacean from the  Kavaratti lagoon in Lakshadweep  as a  completely new genus and species , highlighting the immense yet poorly documented marine biodiversity within India's critical island ecosystems. This microscopic organism, belonging to the copepod family  Laophontidae , requires high-powered microscopic examination for study due to its sub-millimeter size.

Collection and Taxonomic Identification
The organism was collected from the sediment-rich lagoon environment of Kavaratti. Initial observations classified it among known copepods, but subsequent detailed  morphological analysis  revealed unique structural characteristics. These distinct traits confirmed that the organism did not align with any established genus within the Laophontidae family, warranting its designation as a novel taxonomic entity.

Etymology and Publication
The new species has been formally named  “Indiaphonte bijoyi” . The genus name  ‘Indiaphonte’  pays tribute to India, while the species epithet  ‘bijoyi’  honors  Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan , a prominent Indian marine scientist and academic. The species was described by  Neelima Vasu K. of Cochin University of Science and Technology  in collaboration with  Samuel E. Gómez-Noguera of UNAM University . The findings have been published in a reputable  international peer-reviewed taxonomic journal .

Physical Characteristics and Ecological Niche
Indiaphonte bijoyi  possesses a  semi-cylindrical, slightly flattened body  that tapers posteriorly, with prominent antennary appendages. Females, measuring between  518 and 772 micrometres , are slightly larger than males, which range from  508 to 756 micrometres . As a member of the  meiofauna —tiny invertebrates inhabiting aquatic sediments—this copepod plays a  vital role in nutrient recycling and maintaining sediment ecosystem stability .

Scientific Significance and Conservation Implication
Copepods of the order  Harpacticoida , to which this species belongs, are recognized as crucial  bio-indicators  of environmental health, sensitive to pollutants, oil spills, and climate change. They also  synthesize omega-3 fatty acids , fundamental for aquatic food webs and human nutrition. This discovery underscores the  urgent need for intensified taxonomic research and conservation efforts  in India's fragile lagoon and coral reef ecosystems, which are reservoirs of unknown biodiversity.

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• New Species:   Indiaphonte bijoyi  — a new genus and species of marine copepod.

• Discovery Site:   Kavaratti lagoon, Lakshadweep , India.

• Taxonomic Family:   Laophontidae  under the order  Harpacticoida  (Copepoda).

• Size Range:  Between  508 and 772 micrometres  (sub-millimeter).

• Ecological Role:  Part of  meiofauna ; acts as a  bio-indicator  and aids in nutrient cycling.

• Significance:  Highlights  underexplored marine biodiversity  in Indian island ecosystems