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New Squat Lobster Species Found in India
11 Feb
Summary
- A new squat lobster species has been identified in Indian waters.
- The discovery highlights India's vast and underexplored marine biodiversity.
- These small crabs play a vital role in healthy coral reef ecosystems.
A previously unknown species of squat lobster, a crab resembling a miniature lobster, has been discovered in Indian waters. The finding, documented in the international journal Zootaxa, was made by researchers who conducted detailed morphological analysis and taxonomic classification.
These squat lobsters belong to the genus Galathea and inhabit deep coral structures and rocky crevices, making them challenging to detect. Despite their small size, they are ecologically significant, contributing to organic matter recycling within reefs and serving as a food source for other marine life.
The discovery in Lakshadweep highlights the extensive, yet underexplored, marine biodiversity present in India's remote island ecosystems. It reinforces the importance of conserving fragile coral reefs, which are threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities.
