Marine scientists from Berhampur University have reported an important marine finding along India’s eastern coastline. The Stenothoe lowryi Discovery India marks the first time this rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species has been recorded in Indian waters. Researchers found the species during a field survey at Arjyapalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district, a rocky coastal habitat known for marine biodiversity.

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Until now, this species had only been reported from Malaysia. The new record expands the known geographical range of the species and highlights the rich marine life present along the coast of Odisha.

Discovery by Marine Science Researchers

The discovery was led by Shesdev Patro, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Berhampur University. The research was conducted under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme, supported by the Odisha State Higher Education Council for the 2024–25 academic year.

During fieldwork in January last year, the research team collected eight small specimens from rocky coastal habitats in Arjyapalli. After careful laboratory analysis, scientists confirmed the specimens as Stenothoe lowryi, officially recording the species in India for the first time.

Study Published in International Journal

The research findings have been published in the respected scientific journal Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. According to the researchers, the species has some unique physical features. It has noticeably large claws and prefers rocky marine environments where it can find shelter and food.

The amphipod is very small, measuring only about 5.5 millimetres in length. Despite its tiny size, it belongs to a group of crustaceans that are very important for marine ecosystems.

Stenothoe lowryi Discovery India and Amphipod Role

Amphipods are small crustaceans related to shrimps and are commonly found in oceans around the world. Scientists believe that Stenothoe lowryi may play an important role in the marine food chain. These organisms often act as a link between microscopic organisms and larger marine animals such as fish.

Researchers are now planning further molecular and ecological studies to understand the species better. These studies will help scientists learn more about its behaviour, habitat preferences and evolutionary history.

Odisha Coast Shows Rich Marine Biodiversity

The Stenothoe lowryi Discovery India also highlights the rich marine biodiversity of Odisha’s coastline. The same research team from Berhampur University has previously discovered other amphipod species in the region.

One species named Grandidierella geetanjalae was discovered in Chilika Lake near Rambha. Another species called Parhyale odian was earlier identified from Barkul in the same lagoon. Chilika Lake is one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons and is known for its diverse marine life.

These discoveries show that India’s coastal ecosystems still hold many unknown species waiting to be studied. Continued marine research can help scientists understand and protect this valuable biodiversity.