Zoological Survey of India Names New Marine Species after President Droupadi Murmu

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has identified and named a new species of marine head-shield sea slug discovered along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts. Named Melanochlamys droupadi, this distinctive species bears a ruby red spot and has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other sea slugs.

Discovery and Naming

The species was discovered from the coastal areas of Digha in West Bengal and Udaipur in Odisha.
It is characterized by its short, blunt cylindrical body, smooth dorsal surface, and distinctive red spot.
Named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Melanochlamys droupadi was confirmed through morphological, anatomical, and molecular examinations.

Physical Characteristics

Melanochlamys droupadi is a small invertebrate, measuring up to 7 mm in length, with a brownish-black coloration.
Its unique feature is the presence of a ruby red spot at the hind end.
The species is hermaphroditic and is typically found crawling on the intertidal zone of sandy beaches.

Behaviour and Habitat

The sea slug leaves distinctive crawl marks on sandy beaches as it moves.
Reproduction occurs between November and January, and the species is known to secrete transparent mucus to form a protective sheath against sand grains.
It prefers to crawl beneath smooth sand, forming a moving capsule where its body is rarely visible.

Distribution and Significance

While species of the Melanochlamys genus are typically found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm, Melanochlamys droupadi is unique to the West Bengal and Odisha coasts.
This discovery adds to our understanding of marine biodiversity in the region and highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts.