Unveiling Melanochlamys droupadi: A New Sea Slug Species

Introduction to Melanochlamys droupadi

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has made a remarkable discovery of a new species of sea slug along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, named Melanochlamys droupadi in honor of President Droupadi Murmu. This distinctive sea slug is unique to the region and showcases a fascinating morphology and behavior.

Key Characteristics of Melanochlamys droupadi

• Genus: The species belongs to the genus Melanochlamys, characterized by a short, blunt, cylindrical body with a smooth dorsal surface featuring two shields.
• Appearance: It exhibits a brownish-black coloration with a prominent ruby red spot on its hind end, containing a shell within its body.
• Size: This species is relatively small, reaching a maximum length of up to 7 mm.
• Habitat: Melanochlamys droupadi is typically found crawling in the intertidal zones of sandy beaches, leaving behind crawl marks.
• Reproduction: The reproductive period occurs between November and January.

Discovery Locations

The discovery took place in two notable locations:

• West Bengal: Near Digha, specifically at Hospital Ghat, Old Digha, close to the Marine Aquarium Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India.
• Odisha: In Udaipur, with specimens preserved at both the Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, Digha, as well as the Estuarine Biology and Regional Centre, Gopalpur.

Research and Significance

ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee highlighted that the species was confirmed through a thorough examination of its morphological, anatomical, and molecular traits. The discovery significantly enriches the understanding of biodiversity within the temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm, showcasing the presence of tropical species within the Melanochlamys genus.

The naming of Melanochlamys droupadi in honor of President Murmu emphasizes the significance of this find and acknowledges her contributions to the country. The research team, including Prasad Chandra Tudu, Sheikh Sajan, Smrutirekha Acharya, and Anil Mohapatra, provided valuable insights into the species' behavior, particularly its unique method of moving beneath sand to prevent sand grains from entering its parapodial space.

Conclusion

This discovery not only enhances the scientific community's comprehension of marine biodiversity but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts in coastal regions. Understanding species like Melanochlamys droupadi is crucial for promoting ecological health and sustainability.