Rare Marine Amphipod Stenothoe lowryi Discovered in Indian Waters

Marine science researchers from Berhampur University have recorded the presence of a rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species in Indian waters for the first time. The discovery was made at Arjyapalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district during a field survey of rocky coastal habitats. The species, identified as “Stenothoe lowryi”, was previously reported only from Malaysia, and its distribution in other regions had remained largely unknown until now.

Discovery by Berhampur University Researchers

The discovery was led by Shesdev Patro, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Berhampur University. The research was carried out under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) funded by the Odisha State Higher Education Council for the 2024–25 academic year. During fieldwork conducted in January last year, researchers collected eight specimens from rocky coastal habitats at Arjyapalli. Detailed analysis later confirmed the specimens as “Stenothoe lowryi”, marking the first recorded occurrence of this species in Indian waters.

Publication and Identification of the Species

The findings have been published in the latest edition of the “Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom”. According to researchers, the species can be identified by its distinctive large claws and its preference for rocky marine environments. The amphipod measures approximately 5.5 millimetres in length and belongs to a group of small crustaceans commonly found in marine ecosystems.

Ecological Importance of Marine Amphipods

Although the precise ecological role of “Stenothoe lowryi” is still being studied, scientists believe the species may play an important role in the marine food web. Amphipods often serve as a crucial link between microscopic organisms and larger marine animals. Researchers have initiated further molecular and ecological studies to better understand the species’ behaviour, habitat preferences and evolutionary relationships.

Important Facts for Exams

• Amphipods are small crustaceans related to shrimps and commonly found in marine ecosystems.
• “Stenothoe lowryi” was earlier recorded in Malaysia before being discovered in Indian waters.
• The species was found in the rocky coastal habitat of Arjyapalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
• Chilika Lake in Odisha is one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons and rich in biodiversity.

Earlier Amphipod Discoveries in Odisha

This discovery follows earlier findings by the same research team. In January last year, researchers identified another amphipod species from Chilika Lagoon near Rambha, naming it “Grandidierella geetanjalae” in honour of Berhampur University’s Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali Dash. In November 2022, they also documented a new amphipod species from Barkul in Chilika Lake, named “Parhyale odian” after Odisha’s native language Odia. These discoveries highlight the rich marine biodiversity along Odisha’s coastline.