CUSAT researchers discover new genus and species from Indian Ocean, scientific tribute to India and beloved teacher

Researchers from the Kochi University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have discovered a highly important microscopic marine organism belonging to the phylum Crustacea from Kavaratti Lagoon in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The organism, a harpacticoid copepod, has been named Indiaphonte bijoyi. It is both a new genus and a new species.
The genus name Indiaphonte is given in honour of India. The nomenclature represents India’s rich marine biodiversity and the country’s contribution to global marine taxonomy research. The southeastern Arabian Sea region, off the southwest coast of India, is rich in the diversity of microscopic meiofauna.

Tribute to Guru

The species name bijoyi is given in tribute to Senior Prof. Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, CUSAT and former Vice Chancellor of Kannur University. His long-standing contributions in the fields of meiofauna research, marine ecology, ecology, taxonomy, biodiversity and marine environmental conservation have enriched Indian marine research. His guidance and scientific vision continue to inspire new discoveries. This species stands as a tribute to his dedicated scientific services.

Dr. S. Bijoy Nandan with Neelima Vasu K, Researcher, Department of Marine Biology

One of the most diverse families in the order Harpacticoidea

The newly established genus Indiaphonte belongs to the family Laophontidae Scott T., 1905. According to the WoRMS Editorial Board (2025), the family is one of the most diverse families in the order Harpacticoidea, with 350 species in 77 genera. The genus Indiaphonte is unique in that it has unique morphological features that do not match any other genus in the family Laophontidae (subfamily Laophontinae) yet recorded.
The main characteristics of Indiaphonte bijoyi are the segmentation of the swimming legs, the unique structure of the caudal rami, the differences in body structure, and the morphology of the tentacles. The most striking feature is the lack of sexual dimorphism.

Males and females are identical

In harpacticoid copepods, males usually have specific changes in their swimming legs. However, in this newly discovered species, both males and females show the same structure. This rare feature within the Laophontidae family is considered by researchers to be an important clue to the species' taxonomic status.
Despite their small size, harpacticoid copepods play a crucial role in the conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. They live in the bottom (benthic zone) of marine and estuarine areas, feeding on microalgae, bacteria, and detritus, acting as primary consumers and connecting producers and fish.

They are bioindicators

They are capable of producing and converting omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, which are essential for humans and fish and shellfish growth. Some harpacticoid copepods form symbiotic relationships with organisms such as corals and sponges and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine environment. They are bioindicators because they reflect human-induced environmental changes such as pollution, oil spills, heavy metals, and climate change. They are widely used in aquaculture and fisheries, especially as live feed for juvenile fish.

This new genus and species were scientifically described by Neelima Vasu K., a researcher in the Department of Marine Biology, CUSAT, and Dr. Samuel E. Gomez-Noguera, a renowned copepod taxonomist and professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico. Neelima Vasu dedicated this achievement to the loving memory of her father, K. C. Vasu.

This discovery not only indicates the previously undocumented biodiversity of the Indian Ocean, but also reminds us of the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems.