New Pistol Shrimp Species Discovered in Kochi Backwaters

Researchers from the School of Industrial Fisheries at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have identified a new species of pistol shrimp in the Kochi backwaters. The species, named Alpheus madhusoodanai, belongs to the family Alpheidae and marks the first alpheid shrimp recorded from an estuary in this region. The discovery has been published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.

Honouring a Fisheries Pioneer

The species has been named after Prof B Madhusoodana Kurup, the first Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and a prominent fisheries scientist. The naming recognises his contributions to marine science and fisheries research in India.

The research was led by Prof M Harikrishnan, along with scholars KP Vishnu, AbhaiKrishna U, and Nidhin B M. The team confirmed the shrimp’s distinct identity through detailed morphological examination and molecular analysis, comparing it with closely related species.

Ecological Role in Mangrove Ecosystems

Pistol shrimps, also known as snapping shrimps, are known for their ability to produce a loud snapping sound using their specialised claw. Beyond this feature, they play a vital ecological role.

Alpheus madhusoodanai inhabits estuarine backwaters with mangrove cover and is also associated with coral reef-rich ecosystems. The species exhibits burrowing behaviour, which helps release toxic gases trapped in swampy sediments. This process contributes to maintaining soil health and ecological balance within mangrove habitats.

Limited Research on Alpheidae in India

Researchers noted that biodiversity studies on the Alpheidae family in Indian waters remain limited. The identification of this new species highlights the need for further systematic surveys in estuarine and coastal ecosystems.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pistol shrimps belong to the family Alpheidae.
• Alpheus madhusoodanai is the first alpheid shrimp recorded from a Kochi estuary.
• Mangrove ecosystems act as carbon sinks and coastal buffers.
• Morphological and molecular tools are used in modern species identification.

Economic and Scientific Significance

Although the species has no direct commercial value and is occasionally caught in stake nets, it holds ecological and scientific importance. Globally, snapping shrimps attract research interest due to their unique bioacoustic behaviour and ecological interactions. The discovery in Kochi’s backwaters underscores the biodiversity richness of India’s coastal systems and the need for sustained marine research.