What is Ghatiana sanguinolenta?

About Ghatiana sanguinolenta

• It is a newly discovered species of freshwater crab.
• The crab gets its name from the Latin word ‘sanguinolenta’, meaning ‘red’ or ‘blood-coloured’.
• The crab’s blood-red colour and the outwardly curved article of the first part of the male ‘gonopod’ (genetalia) distinguish it from other species in the Ghatiana subgenus.
• It is currently known only from the type locality, which is situated in the Central Western Ghats of India. 
• Features:
  • It is about 1.1 inch wide and about 0.7 inches long.
  • It has a “broad,” “strongly arched” body and small eyes. 
  • Its body has a rich and relatively uniform burgundy red coloring, while the tips of its claws are a lighter cherry red.
  • It predominantly resides in water collected within tree trunks and exhibits heightened activity during the rainy season.
  • Their diet consists of insects and algae.
  • Male and female crabs share the same coloration.

Q1) What is algae?

Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista. They can be found in a variety of aquatic environments, ranging from freshwater to marine habitats, and even in some terrestrial environments. Algae are autotrophic organisms, which means they can produce their own food through photosynthesis. They contain pigments, such as chlorophyll, which enable them to capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy.

Source: New crab species ‘Ghatiana Sanguinolenta’ discovered in Karnataka’s western ghats