Pictures PIB/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee,BS News Agency/PIB Kolkata, April 6, 2026: A significant addition has been made to the records of India's marine biodiversity. Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of free-living marine nematodes in the waters off the coast of Tamil Nadu. Published on March 25 of this year in *Zootaxa*—an internationally renowned taxonomic journal—this discovery sheds new light on the invisible yet crucial biodiversity that sustains coastal ecosystems.
The research paper detailing this discovery was authored by researchers Ms. Ritika Datta and Ms. Anjum Rizvi. Through their research, two new species—*Corononema dhriti* and *Epacanthion indica*—have been introduced to the scientific community. Although microscopic in size, these organisms play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the marine environment.
The Discovery: The Invisible Force of the Ecosystem
These two species inhabit distinct ecological strata of the marine seabed:
*Corononema dhriti* (Datta & Rizvi, 2026): This represents an exceptionally rare discovery, marking only the fourth known species of this genus to be identified globally. Prior to this, the presence of this genus had been documented only in Australia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its discovery within Indian territorial waters constitutes a significant milestone in the field of marine biogeography.
Nomenclature: This species has been named in honor of Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, who has made long-standing and significant contributions to the field of taxonomy and has spearheaded the documentation of India's faunal diversity.
*Epacanthion indica*: Named after India, this species is particularly notable for its intricate anatomical structure. While many nematodes are microbivorous, *E. indica* possesses specialized mandibles and "teeth," which have transformed it into a microscopic predator within the marine benthic food web.
Why These Tiny Organisms Matter:
Although invisible to the naked eye, marine nematodes are the true "unsung heroes" of the ocean floor. They play crucial ecological roles, such as:
1) Maintaining Nutrient Cycling: By breaking down organic waste and recycling essential nutrients within the ocean.
2) Preserving Sediment Health: By maintaining the stability and productivity of coastal sediments.
3) Acting as Bio-indicators: By playing a decisive role in assessing environmental health and the impacts of climate change.
Commenting on this significant discovery, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee stated, "This discovery reminds us just how much of the marine world remains unexplored. Indeed, these tiny organisms form the very foundation of the marine food chain. Gaining a deeper understanding of this 'invisible' biodiversity is absolutely critical for formulating effective conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coastal productivity in the context of global environmental change."