A new species of squat lobster has been discovered from the coral reefs of Agatti in the Lakshadweep islands. Measuring just three millimetres, it is smaller than a rice grain. The species has been named Galathea balasubramaniani in honour of T. Balasubramanian for his contribution to marine biology. The discovery adds to the limited knowledge of reef-associated marine life in India’s island territories.
Discovery and Identification
The species was identified by researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Kochi, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The team examined the crab’s morphology and compared it with related species from the Indo-Pacific region. DNA analysis confirmed that it was a distinct species. The findings were published in the taxonomy journal Zootaxa.
Key Features of the Species
- The crab belongs to the genus Galathea, a group of small reef-dwelling anomuran crabs.
- These crabs are commonly called squat lobsters because of their lobster-like appearance.
- They hide in coral and rocky crevices.
- They help coral reef ecosystems by recycling organic matter.
- They also serve as food for fish and other marine organisms.
Scientific Significance
The species differs from its closest relative, G. mauritiana, in several body features, including the structure of its legs. It also shows clear genetic differences. Researchers noted that Lakshadweep remains under-explored for marine biodiversity, especially for anomurans, a group of decapod crustaceans. Earlier records listed 34 anomuran species from the islands, but no galatheid squat lobster had been reported.
Conservation and Documentation
The new crab has been deposited in the national depository of aquatic organisms maintained by NBFGR in Lucknow. Scientists stressed that such discoveries show the need to protect coral reef ecosystems and undertake detailed taxonomic studies across the Lakshadweep islands.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026