Demaorchestia alanensis

• Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha have discovered a new species of marine amphipod — a shrimp-like crustacea of genus Demaorchestia— in the Chilika lake.
• The new species has been named Demaorchestia alanensis.
• The present contribution has added one more species to the genus Demaorchestia, raising the global species number in the group to six.
• Characteristics
  • 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 (limb).

ABOUT AMPHIPODS

• Amphipod are any member of the invertebrate order Amphipoda (class Crustacea) inhabiting all parts of the sea, lakes, rivers, sand beaches, caves, and moist (warm) habitats on many tropical islands.
• They can be found in all marine habitats (even the deepest ocean trenches, e.g., Hirondellea dubia), and have also colonised freshwater and terrestrial habitats.
• 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.

ABOUT CHILIKA LAKE

• It is Asia’s largest brackish water and world’s second largest coastal lagoon.
• In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• It was first site in Asia which was removed from Montreux Record (MR) in 2002.
• It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent.
• It is famous for Nalabana Bird Sanctuary and Irrawaddy dolphin (IUCN-critically endangered).