Actinarctus odissi

Actinarctus odissi Latest News

Scientists recently discovered a new species of tardigrade, fondly known as the marine water bear, named Actinarctus odissi, off the northeast coast of India.

About Actinarctus odissi

• It is a new species of tardigrade.
• The microscopic creature was discovered in the shallow marine waters of the Bay of Bengal, near the coastal region of Markandi in Odisha. 
• The name ‘’odissi’’ was chosen to honour the famous traditional classical dance form originating from Odisha. 
• This marks the first time in 43 years that a new member of its elusive genus has been found.   
• Features:
  • It boasts a dome-shaped body surrounded by transparent, wing-like flaps called alae, which are supported by translucent pillars. 
  • While other species in this genus feature long wings and elaborate internal supports, this new water bear has noticeably shorter lateral wings. 
  • Its back legs possess simple, un-split sensory organs that are much shorter than those of its cousins. 
  • It also features blunt-tipped sensory appendages, rather than sharp ones, and its back is uniquely heavily sculptured with tiny, trombone-shaped pillars. 

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What are Tardigrades?

• Tardigrades, also called ‘’water bears’’ or ‘’moss-piglets’’, are tiny microscopic animals.   
• Scientists have identified about 1,300 tardigrade species. 
• Tardigrades can be found in almost every habitat on Earth. 
• Most species live in freshwater or semiaquatic terrestrial environments. 
• Marine tardigrades account for 17% of all known tardigrade species.
• They are short (0.05 mm – 1.2 mm in body length), plump, bilaterally symmetrical, segmented organisms. 
• They have four pairs of legs, each of which ends in four to eight claws.  
• They feed on the fluids of plant cells, animal cells, and bacteria.  
• They are famous for their extraordinary ability to survive extreme environmental conditions. 
• They can survive punishing heat, freezing cold, ultraviolet radiation, and even outer space. 
• Under unfavourable conditions, they go into a state of suspended animation called the “tun” state—in which the body dries out and appears as a lifeless ball (or tun). 
  • In this state their metabolism may decline to as little as 0.01 percent of its normal rate. 
  • Tardigrades can survive as tuns for years, or even decades, to wait out dry conditions. 

Source: RM