New Tiny Crab Species Discovered in Lakshadweep Coral Reefs

Category : National Published on: February 23 2026

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Researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources under Indian Council of Agricultural Research have discovered a new species of tiny crab, Galathea balasubramaniani, measuring just three millimetres, in the coral reefs of Agatti, Lakshadweep. The species is named in honour of marine biologist T. Balasubramanian.
The study, led by T. T. Ajith Kumar, combined morphological analysis and DNA barcoding to confirm it as distinct from its closest relative, G. mauritiana. Squat lobsters like this play a key ecological role in coral reefs, recycling organic matter and serving as prey for other marine species. This discovery is the first record of a galatheid squat lobster from Lakshadweep, highlighting the islands’ rich but under-explored marine biodiversity.