Galathea Balasubramaniani

Galathea Balasubramaniani Latest News

Researchers recently discovered a tiny crab species named Galathea balasubramaniani from the coral reefs of Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands.

About Galathea Balasubramaniani

• It is a new species of crab.
• It was discovered from the coral reefs of Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands. 
• It belongs to the genus Galathea, a group of small, reef-dwelling anomuran crabs commonly called squat lobsters. 
  • Resembling tiny lobsters, these crabs have the ability to hide among coral and rocky crevices. 
  • They play an important role in coral reef ecosystems by recycling organic matter and serving as food for fish and other marine organisms.
• It differs from its closest relative, G. mauritiana, in several body characteristics, including the structure of its legs and other morphological features, alongside clear genetic distinctions.
• It measures up to 3 millimetres in length. It is one of the tiniest reef crabs recorded in the region.

Source: NIE

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