Galathea balasubramaniani Discovered in Lakshadweep Reefs

Researchers have identified a new species of tiny crab measuring just three millimetres from the coral reefs of Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands. The discovery was made by a team from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Kochi, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The species has been named “Galathea balasubramaniani” in honour of T. Balasubramanian for his contributions to marine biology.

Scientific Identification and Naming

The research was led by T. T. Ajith Kumar, head of the NBFGR regional centre in Kochi. The team conducted a detailed examination of the crab’s morphological traits and compared them with related species from the Indo-Pacific region. DNA analysis confirmed that it was a distinct species.

The findings were published in the international taxonomy journal “Zootaxa”. The study involved collaboration among scientists from NBFGR and the Faculty of Marine Sciences at Annamalai University.

Distinctive Features of the Species

The newly discovered crab belongs to the genus “Galathea”, a group of small reef-dwelling anomuran crabs commonly referred to as squat lobsters. Despite resembling miniature lobsters, they are distinct from true lobsters.

“Galathea balasubramaniani” differs from its closest relative, “G. mauritiana”, in leg structure and other morphological characteristics, alongside clear genetic differences. The crab’s minute size allows it to hide within coral and rocky crevices, offering protection from predators.

Ecological Importance and Biodiversity Gap

Squat lobsters play a vital role in coral reef ecosystems. They recycle organic matter and serve as prey for fish and other marine organisms, contributing to ecological balance.

Although 34 species of anomurans have been reported from Lakshadweep, no galatheid squat lobster had previously been recorded from the region. The discovery highlights the rich but under-explored marine biodiversity of Lakshadweep and underscores the need for focused taxonomic surveys.

Important Facts for Exams

• Anomurans are a group of decapod crustaceans that include hermit crabs and squat lobsters.
• The genus Galathea comprises reef-associated squat lobsters found in Indo-Pacific waters.
• Lakshadweep Islands host diverse coral reef ecosystems in the Arabian Sea.
• DNA barcoding is widely used in modern taxonomy for species identification.

Conservation and Future Research

The specimen has been deposited in the national depository of aquatic organisms maintained by NBFGR at Lucknow for future reference. Scientists emphasise that such discoveries reinforce the urgency of conserving coral reef ecosystems and expanding marine biodiversity research across the Lakshadweep Islands.