Rare marine amphipod Stenothoe lowryi discovered in Odisha

Key facts

• Researchers from Berhampur University (BU) have discovered a rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species, Stenothoe lowryi, for the first time in Indian waters at Arjyapalli in Ganjam district, Odisha.
• The species was previously recorded only in Malaysia and is distinguished by its large claws, a length of approximately 5.5 mm, and a preference for rocky environments.
• The study was conducted using funds provided under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) of the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) 2024-25.
• The research findings, led by Assistant Professor Shesdev Patro, have been published in the latest edition of the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.
• The BU research team previously discovered the marine amphipod Grandidierella geetanjalae from Chilika lagoon in January last year and Parhyale odian from Chilika lake in November 2022.