Demaorchestia alanensis

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Context

• Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha have discovered a new species of marine amphipod — a shrimp-like crustacea of genus Demaorchestia— in the state’s Chilika lake on the east coast of India.

Details

• The study has revealed that the new species is white in colour and less than 15 millimetres in length. It has 13 pairs of legs. While three pairs are used for swimming in the water, eight pairs are used for walking on land. The other two pairs are used for capturing prey and feeding.
• The species can be distinguished from the other members of the genus by two to three strong, hair-like structures or setae on the anterior margin of the propodus of the gnathopod. It belongs to the subfamily Platorchestiinae found along the Indian coast.
• Amphipods are a significant group in the marine ecosystem and play a vital role in the marine food chain. They also serve as indicators for studying the impact of climate change and health of coastal ecosystems, he said. Further research will delve deeper into understanding the specific ecological roles of amphipods in coastal and marine environments.