Why is it in the news?
→ Researchers discovered a tiny crab species from coral reefs of Agatti in Lakshadweep Islands.
→ The finding highlights biodiversity research in coral reef ecosystems.
Category: Environment
Important Points
- It is a newly discovered species of crab.
- Discovered from coral reefs of Agatti in Lakshadweep Islands.
- Belongs to genus Galathea, reef-dwelling anomuran crabs (squat lobsters).
- Differs from G. mauritiana in body structure and genetic characteristics.
- Measures up to 3 millimetres in length.
- One of the tiniest reef crabs recorded in the region.
- It resembles tiny lobsters and hides among coral and rocky crevices.
- Plays ecological role by recycling organic matter.
- Serves as food for fish and other marine organisms.