[Cnidaria • 2026] Chironex blakangmati • Chironex box jellyfishes (Cubozoa: Chirodropida) in Singapore: New Species, and Range Extension of C. indrasaksajiae

Chironex blakangmati

Iesa, Ames, Yap & Huang, 2026 

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74

Abstract

 Two venomous box jellyfish species of the genus Chironex Southcott, 1956 (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida) were collected from Singapore’s coastal waters: Chironex indrasaksajiae Sucharitakul, 2017 and a novel species described herein as Chironex blakangmati, new species. Chironex indrasaksajiae was collected from both the Johor and Singapore Straits around mainland Singapore. Chironex blakangmati, new species, was collected from Sentosa Island along the Singapore Strait and is the fourth species described in the genus. While C. blakangmati’s volcano-shaped pedalial canal and tentacle number are similar to C. yamaguchii Lewis & Bentlage, 2009, its elongated, sharp-tipped velarial canals and DNA sequences distinguish it from other Chironex species. Comparisons of Chironex blakangmati, new species, with C. yamaguchii and C. fleckeri reveal novel morphological differences at the terminal end of the perradial lappet along the velarium edge, where C. blakangmati, new species, lacks velarial canals extending from the perradial lappet terminus. Juvenile Chironex yamaguchii specimens were examined and ontogenetic variations of velarial canals are herein reported. Preliminary cnidome analysis reveals eight types of nematocysts observed in C. blakangmati, new species, five types in C. indrasaksajiae, and five types in C. yamaguchii. Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction places C. blakangmati, new species, in a clade distinct from its congeners, as sister group to C. yamaguchii based on 16S rRNA gene analysis but diverging earlier than the clade comprising C. yamaguchii and C. indrasaksajiae based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene analysis for which sequence data are comparatively limited. Understanding the biodiversity and seasonality of venomous cubomedusae will help mitigate the risk they pose to human health and safety during maritime activities. 

Key words. 16S rRNA, COI barcoding, marine biodiversity, phylogenetic analysis, Southeast Asia, venomous

Chironex blakangmati, new species, from Singapore.
A, live individual (paratype, ZRC.CNI.1462), lateral perradius view; B, live individual (holotype, ZRC.CNI.3014), lateral perradius view; C, cockscomb gastric saccule (sac); D, gastric cirri (gc); E, rhopalial niche front view; F, rhopalial niche side view (paratype, ZRC.CNI.1462); G, rhopalial niche side view (holotype, ZRC.CNI.3014); H, tentacle contracted with alternating brown dark bands; I, tentacle stretched; J, preserved tentacle with hollow cross section (arrow); K, pedalium with volcano pedalial canal bend (pcb) marked by arrow; L, U-shaped alternating tentacle pattern with gap marked by an arrow; M, adradial positions (ad) marked by arrows, and rhopalial niche at perradial position (per); N, gastric saccules (sac) surrounding cruciform manubrium (man); O, velarium at perradial position with frenulum (fre) arrowed, lappet terminating in simple triangular tip; P, velarium with candelabrum velarial canal pattern (holotype, ZRC.CNI.3014). rh = rhopalium, rhO = rhopalial ostium, co = convex boundary.

Chironex blakangmati, new species 

Diagnosis. Chironex with conical to cuboidal bell. Seven tentacles per pedalium, branching U-shaped alternating. Pedalial canal bend volcano shaped. Tips of velarial canals sharp towards velarial margin (Fig. 11D), with simple triangular tip at edge of velarium in perradial position (Fig. 3O & Fig. 12). Absence of velarial canals at perradial position where frenulum tapers off (Fig. 12D). 

Etymology. This species is named using Bahasa Melayu, the Austronesian language spoken in the region and the national language of Singapore, for Sentosa Island from which the animal was collected. Sentosa Island was historically referred to as “Pulau Blakang Mati”, meaning “Island of Death Behind” and, as such, “blakangmati” in denoting the geographic location is a noun in apposition. 

Iffah Iesa, Cheryl Lewis Ames, Nicholas Wei Liang Yap and Danwei Huang. 2026. Chironex box jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida) in Singapore: Chironex blakangmati, new species, and range extension of C. indrasaksajiae. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 383–402. DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2026-0026 [15 May 2026]

[Cnidaria • 2026] Chrysogorgia pugnioides, Iridogorgia acutisclerita, I. levisquama • Systematics and Biogeography of Chrysogorgiidae (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from the Indian Ocean: discovery of New Species on Deep-sea Ridges

Iridogorgia acutisclerita Ge, Zhang & Xu,

in Ge, N. Xu, Hu, Tian, Li, Y. Xu, Wang, Zhang et Q. Xu, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.182492 

Abstract

Species of the family Chrysogorgiidae are distributed worldwide in deep-sea environments. However, most recorded species of this family were from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with only a few reports from the Indian Ocean, particularly from ridge regions. This study describes three new species and reports two known species from Indian Ocean ridges, integrating morphological and molecular analyses (mtMutS and 28S rDNA). Chrysogorgia pugnioides Ge, Hu & Xu, sp. nov. is characterized by fist-like polyps; warty spindles in tentacles; flat and irregular spindles and elongate scales in the polyp body wall; and slender and smooth scales with toothed to irregular edges in the coenenchyme. Iridogorgia acutisclerita Ge, Zhang & Xu, sp. nov. resembles I. splendens but differs by possessing needles and pointed elongate scales in the polyp body wall. Iridogorgia levisquama Ge, Zhang & Xu, sp. nov. is differentiated from the congeneric I. squarrosa by slender and smooth scales with sharp ends in the polyp body wall and needles with fine wartiness in the tentacles. Parachrysogorgia chryseis and Metallogorgia melanotrichos are reported as new records for the Indian Ocean ridges. These findings expand the known biodiversity and biogeographic range of Chrysogorgiidae in the Indian Ocean ridges.

Key Words: Carlsberg Ridge, Chrysogorgiidae, Ninetyeast Ridge, phylogeny, taxonomy

Chrysogorgia pugnioides Ge, Hu & Xu, sp. nov.  

Iridogorgia acutisclerita Ge, Zhang & Xu, sp. nov. 

Iridogorgia levisquama Ge, Zhang & Xu, sp. nov.

The external morphology of Iridogorgia acutisclerita Ge, Zhang & Xu, sp. nov.
 A. Holotype FIO-IND72-JLBEN22309 in situ; B. Paratype FIO-IND72-JLBEN22402 in situ; C–E. Holotype FIO-IND72-JLBEN22309, paratype FIO-IND72-JLBEN22402, and FIO-IND72-JLBEN225511 after collection;
F. Single polyp under a light microscope; G. Single polyp under SEM; H. A part of the tentacle under SEM; I. A part of the branch under a light microscope; J. A part of the branch with epidermal tissue removed under SEM; K. A part of the branch with epidermal tissue under SEM.

Scale bars: 20 cm (C–E); 1 mm (F, I); 500 μm (G, K); 250 μm (H, J).

 Meiling Ge, Ningxia Xu, Xuying Hu, Xin Tian, Xinlong Li, Yu Xu, Zongling Wang, Xuelei Zhang and Qingzeng Xu. 2026. Systematics and Biogeography of Chrysogorgiidae from the Indian Ocean: discovery of New Species on Deep-sea Ridges. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 621-647.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.182492 [07 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis (Orchidaceae) • A Review of the Genus Taeniophyllum in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) with the Description of A New Species

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt,  

in Alappatt, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.06 

Abstract  

A new species, Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis (Orchidaceae) is described from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The new species resembles T. hasseltii and T. pusillum, but is distinct from both in having mostly terete free hanging roots (versus roots flat, appressed to the substratum), bracts lax (versus bracts close in T. pusillum), lip without any cushions (versus lip with convex cushions in T. hasseltii) and a conical spur (versus globose spur in T. pusillum). In addition, a review of other species of the genus Taeniophyllum reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is provided with an identification key.

Keywords: Aeridinae; Orchidaceae; South Andaman; Taeniophyllum; new species

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt sp. nov.
 a. Habit. b. Inflorescence. c. Flower bud with inflorescence rachis of previous year. d. Flower, lateral view. e. Flower close-up, front view. f. Bract. g. Dorsal sepal. h. Petals. i. Lateral sepals. j. Lip. k. Column with ovary. l. column with ovary and spur. m. Anther cap. n. Pollinia. o. Capsule. Photos: Alappatt.

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt sp. nov.,
with Oberonia ensiformis (Sm.) Lindl. to the right.

Photo: Alappatt.

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Taeniophyllum hasseltii Rchb.f. and T. pusillum (Willd.) Seidenf. & Ormerod in having free sepals and petals, distichous bracts, fleshy lip and short anther-beak, but differs from them by its mostly free hanging terete roots and a few roots semi-terete when appressed to substratum (vs. roots flat, appressed to the substratum), bracts lax (vs. close in T. pusillum), comparatively smaller flowers (c. 3 mm across), not opening widely (vs. large flowers, 5–5.5 mm across, opening widely), lip blade without convex cushions (vs. with convex cushions in T. hasseltii), spur conical, being longer than broad (vs. globose, as long as broad in T. pusillum). 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the collections from Wrightmyo where the species was discovered.

 Alappatt, J.P. 2026. A Review of the Genus Taeniophyllum (Orchidaceae) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) with the Description of A New Species, Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.06 

[Ichthyology • 2026] Butis bargabhimae • A New Species of butid fish (Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

  

Butis bargabhimae

Maiti, Mandal, Das, Pahari & Bhattacharya, 2026  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 

  academia.edu/164972645

 

Abstract

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis but can be distinguished from both of these morphologically by the presence of interorbital scales (IOS 2–3/7–8/2–3), auxiliary scales, bands on the pectoral fin, and the absence of a row of alternating blackish and yellowish spots at the base of the caudal fin. The NCBI BLAST result of COI gene shows 86% similarity with both B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis. The COI sequence MN171371.1 submitted as B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh shows 99% similarity with B. bargabhimae sp. nov. and belongs to the same clade rather than the clade of B. koilomatodon from the state of Kerala in India and those from other countries. It seems B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh is a misidentification and should be included under B. bargabhimae sp. nov. Likewise COI sequence of B. koilomatodon, as reported earlier by Pahari et al. (2024), suggests this was a misidentification and should be redesignated as B. delagoensis.

Pisces, Estuarine fish, gudgeon goby, mitochondrial COI, short snout Butis

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. Holotype Female (Reg. No. ZSI FF 10992).
I: Longer 3 rd and 4 th spine. II: Oblique dark bands on body. III: Dark median spot at pectoral fin base. IV: Light and dark alternate bands on pectoral fin.

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov.

Subhadeep MAITI, Sudipta MANDAL, Mitali DAS, Priti Ranjan PAHARI and Tanmay BHATTACHARYA. 2026. Butis bargabhimae sp. nov., A New Species of butid fish (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Zootaxa. 5763(4); 588-596. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 [2026-03-05]

  academia.edu/164972645/Butis_bargabhimae_A_new_species_of_butid_fish_from_the_Rupnarayan_River_Purba_Medinipur_West_Bengal_India

[Crustacea • 2026] Alpheus madhusoodanai • A New Species of Mangrove associated Snapping Shrimp of Genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) from southwest coast of India

Alpheus madhusoodanai  

Vishnu, Deepak, Nidhin, Krishna & Harikrishnan, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0025315426101052

 

Abstract

The present account describes a new species of alpheid shrimp, Alpheus madhusoodanai sp. nov., belonging to the brevirostris group, collected from the Cochin estuary, the south west coast of India. This represents the first species of alpheid shrimps described from the estuary. The morphological and molecular characteristics of the new species are compared with those of its closely related congeners. The newly described species is separated from its morphological congener A. rapax, by its wider major chela and longer merus of the first cheliped. Molecular data also confirmed the delimitation of A. rapax with A. madhusoodanai sp. nov. Habitat and distribution details are also discussed, highlighting the potential for further taxonomic exploration in the Cochin estuary and the importance in uncovering its hidden biodiversity.

Keywords: alpheid shrimp, estuary, integrative taxonomy, new species, south east Arabian Sea

Alpheus madhusoodanai sp. nov. Colour pattern, male, non-type, recently deceased (Cl- 10.9 mm, SIF/HK/CR/25/122), Cochin estuary, Kochi, Kerala, India.

 Alpheus madhusoodanai sp. nov.

Etymology: The new species is named after Dr. B. Madhusoodhana Kurup, for his significant contributions to fish biodiversity, fisheries taxonomy and ecology, and sustainable management of fisheries resources in the state of Kerala, south India.

Kaimakulangara Vishnu, Jose Deepak, Balachandran Nidhin, Unnikrishnan Abhai Krishna, Mahadevan Harikrishnan. 2026. Alpheus madhusoodanai sp. nov.: A New Species of Mangrove associated Snapping Shrimp of Genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) from southwest coast of India. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 106; e12. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0025315426101052 [26 January 2026]

 

[Crustacea • 2026] Galathea balasubramaniani • A New Species of the Squat Lobster Genus Galathea Fabricius, 1793 (Decapoda: Galatheidae) from Lakshadweep, India

 

 Galathea balasubramaniani  

Sureandiran, Divya, Naeem, Sundaramanickam & Kumar, 2026 

  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.6  

Researchgate.net/publication/400595434

 

Abstract

A new species of galatheid squat lobster, Galathea balasubramaniani sp. nov. is described from Lakshadweep Island, India. The G. balasubramaniani sp. nov. belongs to the ‘G. mauritiana’ group, identified through having a pterygostomian flap with 1 or 2 spines and an uninterrupted mesogastric ridge. This group includes: G. acis Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia, 2015, G. aequata Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia, 2015, G. ahyongi Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia, 2015, G. mauritiana Bouvier, 1914 and G. senta Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia, 2015. The G. balasubramaniani sp. nov. resembles G. mauritiana Bouvier, 1914, but differs based on the presence of an epipod on P1, and P2 with propodus 4.2–4.7 times as long as wide and the merus with the proximal spine reaching or slightly over-reaching the distal margin of the article. Maximum Likelihood analysis of the new species, using mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase (COI) and 16S rRNA also supported the findings and suggests that G. balasubramaniani sp. nov. is closely related to G. mauritiana, with pairwise genetic distances estimated at 6.0–14.3 % (COI) and 3.1–16.9% (16S rRNA).

Crustacea, Arabian Sea, Galatheid squat lobster, Genetic divergence, Indian Ocean, Phylogeny

 Galathea balasubramaniani sp. nov. 
A–H, holotype female, GALGBAL/NBFGR (PCL 2.85 mm); I, paratype male, GALGBAL/NBFGR.2 (PCL 1.88 mm). A, carapace, dorsal view; B, pterygostomian flap, left lateral view; C, right P1, dorsal view; D–F, right P2–4, lateral view; G, maxilliped 3 dorsal view; H, thoracic sternum, ventral view; I right G2, dorsal view. Scale bar for A–F, H = 1 mm, G–I = 0.5 mm.

 Galathea balasubramaniani sp. nov. in live condition, collected from Agatti Island, Lakshadweep. Specimen not preserved.

Galathea balasubramaniani sp. nov.

B. SUREANDIRAN, P.R. DIVYA, U.P. MOHAMMED NAEEM, A. SUNDARAMANICKAM, T.T. AJITH KUMAR. 2026. A New Species of the Squat Lobster Genus Galathea Fabricius, 1793 from Lakshadweep, India (Crustacea: Decapoda: Galatheidae).  Zootaxa. 5757(4); 382-392. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.6 [2026-02-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400595434_A_new_species_of_Galathea_from_Lakshadweep_India

[Crustacea • 2022] Raymunida shraddhanandi, Munidopsis bengala & M. kadal • Squat Lobsters of the Genera Raymunida and Munidopsis (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, with Descriptions of Three New Species

  

Raymunida shraddhanandi 
Munidopsis bengala and M. kadal  

Tiwari, Padate, Cubelio & Osawa, 2022

   

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2022.2138600

 x.com/marine_shivam

ABSTRACT

We report four squat lobster species of the genera Raymunida Macpherson and Machordom, 2000 (Munididae) and Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874 (Munidopsidae) from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. The genus Raymunida is recorded for the first time from Indian waters, including a new species Raymunida shraddhanandi sp. nov. and R. vittata Macpherson, 2009 based on material from the Andaman Sea. Raymunida shraddhanandi sp. nov. differs from its closest congener R. formasanus Lin, Chan and Chu, 2004 in the armatures of the anterior branchial carapace region, antennal peduncle and third maxilliped merus, and the length of the fourth pereopod. Two new species of the genus Munidopsis, referred to the Anoplonotus group, are described from the south-western Bay of Bengal and the south-eastern Arabian Sea. Munidopsis bengala sp. nov. and M. kadal sp. nov. are distinguished from all of their allies – M. bruta Macpherson, 2007, M. shulerae Vázquez-Bader, Gracia and Lemaitre, 2014, and M. truculenta Macpherson and Segonzac, 2005 – by the unarmed dorsodistal margin of the third maxilliped merus and the relative length of the antennal peduncle, respectively.

 

KEYWORDS: new record, new species, fauna, Indian ocean

Raymunida shraddhanandi sp. nov.  

Munidopsis bengala sp. nov.  

M. kadal sp. nov.

 

Shivam Tiwari, Vinay P. Padate, Sherine S. Cubelio and Masayuki Osawa. 2022. Squat Lobsters of the Genera Raymunida Macpherson & Machordom, 2000 and Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874 (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, with Descriptions of Three New Species. Journal of Natural History. 56(41-44); 1819-1839. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2022.2138600 [29 Nov 2022]

 x.com/marine_shivam/status/1601248468886261760

 

[Crustacea • 2026] Leiogalathea samudragiri • A New deep-sea munidopsid squat lobster of the Genus Leiogalathea Baba, 1969 (Decapoda: Anomura: Munidopsidae) from the southeastern Arabian Sea, India

  

Leiogalathea samudragiri  

Tiwari, Padate & Cubelio, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s44289-026-00117-5

Abstract

The present study describes a new species of the deep-water munidopsid squat lobster genus Leiogalathea Baba, 1969. Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov. resembles L. achates Rodríguez-Flores, Macpherson & Machordom, 2019, L. evander Rodríguez-Flores, Macpherson & Machordom, 2019, and L. laevirostris (Balss, 1913) by the unarmed hepatic margin of the carapace. However, the new species differs from these congeners mainly in having uninterrupted mesogastric and mid-transverse ridges on the carapace and the presence of six transverse ridges on the posterior half of the carapace.

 

Keywords: Anomura, Arabian Sea, New species, Seamount, Taxonomy

Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov. Holotype, ovigerous female (IO/SS/ANO/00195; PCL 4.8 mm, CW 3.7 mm).
a carapace, dorsal view, b thoracic sternum, ventral view, c left eye, antennular article 1 and antennal peduncle, ventral view, d left mxp3, lateral view, e right P1, dorsal view, f right P2, lateral view, g right P2 dactylus, lateral view, h right P3, lateral view, i right P4, lateral view

Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov. Holotype, ovigerous female (IO/SS/ANO/00195; PCL 4.8 mm, CW 3.7 mm). Dorsal habitus

Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov.  

 

 Etymology: The species name is derived from a combination of the Sanskrit “samudra” meaning ocean, and “giri” meaning mountain, which refers to the seamount habitat of this species.

Shivam Tiwari, Vinay P. Padate and Sherine Sonia Cubelio. 2026. A New deep-sea munidopsid squat lobster of the Genus Leiogalathea Baba, 1969 (Decapoda: Anomura) from the southeastern Arabian Sea, India.  Discover Oceans. 3, 6. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s44289-026-00117-5 [04 February 2026]

[Mollusca • 2025] Taningia silasii • A New Species of Deep-sea Squid Genus Taningia (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) from the Arabian Sea

Taningia silasii Sajikumar & Sasikumar,

in Sajikumar, Sasikumar, Ameri et Thomas, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12526-025-01576-3

Abstract

A new species of the genus Taningia Joubin, 1931 (family Octopoteuthidae Berry, 1912), is described from the southeastern Arabian Sea, based on a single specimen collected in March 2024 at a depth of 390 m. This new species, Taningia silasii sp. nov., differs from congeners in a combination of traits, including the shape of the funnel-mantle locking cartilage, nuchal-locking cartilage, lower beak morphology, gill lamellae count, and distinct genetic divergence as revealed by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes, with uncorrected p-distances of 11.8–12.1% (COI) and 4.3–4.5% (16S rRNA) from T. danae. Phylogenetic trees clearly separate Taningia silasii sp. nov. from Atlantic Ocean lineages of T. danae, supporting its recognition as a distinct species. The genus Taningia appears to represent a species complex, comprising the newly described Indian Ocean lineage and at least two distinct lineages from the Atlantic Ocean. These findings, based on integrated morphological and molecular analyses, highlight hidden diversity within Taningia and expand the known biogeographic range of the genus.

Keywords: Indian octopus squid, Southeastern Arabian Sea, New species, Morphology, Molecular taxonomy

a Dorsal and b ventral view of Taningia silasii sp. nov. from the Arabian Sea,
 dotted lines showing the proportion of aborted arms; right fin (dotted line) proportion extrapolated from left fin

Octopoteuthidae Berry, 1912

Taningia Joubin, 1931

Taningia silasii sp. nov. Sajikumar and Sasikumar

Proposed common name: Indian octopus squid

Sajikumar KK, Geetha Sasikumar, Shijin Ameri and Toji Thomas. 2025.  Description of A New Species of Deep-sea Squid Genus Taningia (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) from the Arabian Sea. Marine Biodiversity. 55, 107. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12526-025-01576-3 [14 November 2025]

New deep-sea ‘Octopus Squid’ discovered in Arabian Sea

CMFRI scientists discover new species of a rare octopus squid; Named after eminent marine biologist Dr E. G. Silas

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2192497&reg=3&lang=2

[Crustacea • 2025] Alpheus sarapis • A New, conspicuously coloured Snapping Shrimp (Decapoda: Alpheidae) from the north-western Indian Ocean

 

Alpheus sarapis 

Anker, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.008

Abstract

A new, brightly coloured and morphologically distinctive species of the alpheid genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 is described based on a single female specimen collected in shallow waters of Masirah Island, Oman. Alpheus sarapis sp. nov. appears to be morphologically somewhat intermediate between the A. leviusculus Dana, 1852, A. edwardsii (Audouin, 1826) and A. paracrinitus Miers, 1881 species groups, although the presence of slight sinuses on the major chela palm suggests that it may be a derived member of either of the former two groups.

Keywords: Caridea, Alpheid shrimp, New taxon, Oman, Indo-West Pacific, Marine biodiversity

Alpheus sarapis sp. nov. 

Arthur Anker. 2025. A New, conspicuously coloured Snapping Shrimp from the north-western Indian Ocean (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Alpheidae: Alpheus). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 65; e202565008. DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.008

 x.com/PAZ_journal/status/1994362857547252095

[Cnidaria • 2025] Pavona giannii • A New Reef-dwelling Coral (Hexacorallia: Scleractinia: Agariciidae), with an overview of the skeletal morphology of the type specimens of the genus Pavona

 

Pavona giannii  

Benzoni, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1260.167263

Abstract

Hard coral species in the agariciid genus Pavona are common in shallow and mesophotic coral reef communities across the Indo-Pacific, but their taxonomy has long been overlooked. Pavona giannii sp. nov. is here described based on newly collected material across the Indian Ocean, and historical museum specimens. In vivo and skeletal morphological features are described, diagnostic characters measured, and comparison with congeners performed. The new species forms an encrusting corallum devoid of raised ridges on its surface. Its corallites are flush with the surface, not inclined, and less than half a corallite diameter apart. Corallites arrangement is thamnasteroid and series can form locally. Where they occur, the radial elements run over the shared walls to the adjacent series’ corallites creating a ladder-like arrangement similar to that observed over the ridges in congeners like Pavona varians and Pavona chiriquiensis. Despite the lack of ridges, P. giannii sp. nov. has morphological affinities with these two species. However, based on previously published morphometrics and meristics, P. giannii sp. nov. corallites are larger and more crowded, and the primary septa are longer and more numerous. In vivo, the new species is distinguished by fully extended white to beige tentacles during the daytime, giving it a white-bearded appearance. Despite the ecological relevance of Pavona corals, a taxonomic revision of the genus is overdue, and the existing molecular studies indicate that it is polyphyletic. Here, the proposed placement of P. giannii sp. nov. in the genus is based on morphological evidence alone and phylogenomic analyses are currently in progress.

Key words: Morphometrics, museum collections, reef-building coral, skeletal morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Pavona giannii sp. nov. MNHN-IK-2012-14233
A. the whole colony in situ at Hyllanyia Island, Bir Ali, Yemen, prior to sampling and B. corallum of the sampled fragment. C. Top view of the corallum showing corallite arrangement and the position of some of the corallite series boundaries (dashed pink lines) marked by the presence of parallel radial elements running over and across them, and D. side view showing its even surface given by equally high and flat top margins of S1 and S2 septa, and the deep-seated fossae. Scale bars: 1 cm (B); 5 mm (C, D).

Pavona giannii sp. nov. in situ.
A. Typically white extended tentacles in the colony, from which specimen UNIMIB BAL252 was collected, encrusting a submassive Porites (living portion at the top right-hand side) at Balhaf, Yemen; B. Colony of UF 17957, Mirbat, Oman; C. Fully extended white tentacles covering the whole surface of the colony of UNIMIB SO078 at Socotra Island, Yemen; D. Colony with partially retracted tentacles allowing the polyps’ white oral disks to show, Mahé Island, Seychelles; E. Colony of UNIMIB MY069 at Mayotte Island; F. Colony with white tentacles and grey oral disks Balhaf, Yemen; G. Close-up of the polyps of colony UNIMIB BU049 with beige tentacles and white oral disks at Burum, Yemen.

 Francesca Benzoni. 2025. A New Reef-dwelling Coral, Pavona giannii sp. nov. (Scleractinia, Agariciidae), with an overview of the skeletal morphology of the type specimens of the genus Pavona. ZooKeys. 1260: 123-147. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1260.167263

[Ichthyology • 2025] Branchenchelys megacephala • A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean

Branchenchelys megacephala

Tighe & Kodeeswaran, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726 

facebook.com: Paramasivam Kodeeswaran

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of ilyophine eel, Branchenchelys megacephala, is described based on five specimens collected in the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. The new genus is distinguished from all other ilyophine genera by its relatively large head with large gill openings and a very large branchial chamber with an increased number of branchiostegal rays and hypertrophied gill filaments.

Pisces, Teleostei, taxonomy, Branchenchelys megacephala

 

Kenneth A. TIGHE and Paramasivam KODEESWARAN. 2025. A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa. 5722(4); 555-569. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6 [2025-11-21]

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726_A_new_genus_and_species_of_Anguilliformes_Synaphobranchidae_from_the_Arabian_Sea_western_Indian_Ocean

facebook.com/kodyvenkat/posts/4305402499679734

[Crustacea • 2017] Parasesarma gazi • A New Species of the Genus Parasesarma De Man 1895 (Decapoda: Sesarmidae) from East African Mangroves and Evidence for Mitochondrial Introgression in Sesarmid Crabs

Parasesarma gazi 

Cannicci, Innocenti & Fratini, 

in Cannicci, Schubart, Innocenti, Dahdouh-Guebas, Shahdadi et Fratini, 2017

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2017.08.002 

 Researchgate.net/publication/319023850

Abstract

The Sesarmidae (Decapoda; Brachyura: Thoracotremata) is the most speciose family of crabs occurring in the mangroves of East Africa, accounting for 12 species belonging to seven genera. Among these, the genus Parasesarma accounts for a total of four species. Here we describe a new species, Parasesarma gazi sp. nov., based on specimens collected in mangrove forests of Kenya and Tanzania. The phylogenetic position of this new species within the family Sesarmidae was reconstructed, based on three mitochondrial and one nuclear marker. While nuclear data genetically resolve the systematic relationships, mitochondrial data reveal a surprising similarity of Parasesarma gazi sp. nov. and its sister species P. leptosoma. This result may reflect a short history of reproductive isolation or recent mitochondrial introgression between these two species. This is the first time that such an evolutionary event is reported for the family Sesarmidae and for mangrove crabs, in general.

Keywords: Hybridization, Mitochondrial DNA, Nuclear marker, Sesarmidae, Speciation, Molecular phylogeny, Taxonomy

Parasesarma gazi sp. nov. life colours (A), paratype male (14.2 × 11.7 mm) (MZUF 3678); upper view (B).
Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869), upper view (C)

Scale bars = 5 mm.

FAMILY SESARMIDAE DANA, 1851

GENUS PARASESARMA, DE MAN, 1895 

PARASESARMA GAZI Cannicci, Innocenti and Fratini sp. nov.

Sesarma (Parasesarma) lenzii De Man 1894.

  Etymology: The name of this new species, Parasesarma gazi, is derived from Gazi Bay (also named Maftaha Bay) and the village of Gazi, on the South coast of Kenya. In Arab, gazi or ghazi is the active participle of the verb gaza ‘to strive for’ or also ‘the one who struggles’. The new species is dedicated to the people of Gazi village and to the staff of the Gazi Mangrove Research Station of KMFRI, since without their help the largest known population of this new species would never have been found. We also believe that ‘the one who struggles’ correspondingly applies to mangrove crabs and their challenging adaptations to intertidal life, and that they are ‘key’ in mangrove ecosystems. The specific name is used as a noun in apposition.

Ecology: At all three sites, Parasesarma gazi sp. nov. was found in the Rhizophora mucronata Lamk, 1804 dominated belt of the mangrove forest, on the muddy floor. Only the specimens collected at Gazi Bay were collected on the lower part of R. mucronata roots, and there was no evidence of climbing behavior, such as in P. leptosoma. In all cases, they were found in areas where the by far dominant crab species was P. guttatum, with which they were mixing and totally overlapping. 

  Stefano Cannicci, Christoph D. Schubart, Gianna Innocenti, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Adnan Shahdadi and Sara Fratini. 2017. A New Species of the Genus Parasesarma De Man 1895 from East African Mangroves and Evidence for Mitochondrial Introgression in Sesarmid Crabs.  Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology. 269; 89-99. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2017.08.002

 Researchgate.net/publication/319023850_A_new_species_of Parasesarma_from_East_African_mangroves 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pseudorhombus bahudaensis • Resolving the Pseudorhombus arsius cryptic species complex (Teleostei: Paralichthyidae): Phylogenetic Evidence and Description of A New Species

 

Pseudorhombus bahudaensis 

Acharya, Behera, Mohanty, Ray, Patro, Mishra & Mohapatra, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5711.3.4

Abstract

The Gangetic Largetooth flounder, Pseudorhombus arsius (Hamilton, 1822), long treated as a single Indo-Pacific species, represents a cryptic species complex. Using a combination of morphological, morphometric, and molecular data, we discovered a distinct lineage that warrants recognition as Pseudorhombus bahudaensis sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses of COI sequences revealed multiple polyphyletic clades, with two well-supported groups corresponding to P. arsius and the new species. Divergence dating indicates a separation of approximately 17 million years despite extensive morphological overlap. Diagnosis of the new species is supported by vertebral counts, subtle scale morphology, and differences in the position of the lateral line relative to the eye. These findings highlight the importance of integrating genetic and morphological evidence in resolving cryptic flounder complexes and provide a basis for re-evaluating distribution records attributed to P. arsius across the Indo-Pacific.

Pisces, Pseudorhombus bahudaensis, Pseudorhombus arsius, cryptic species complex

Pseudorhombus bahudaensis sp. nov. 

Smrutirekha ACHARYA, Rajesh Kumar BEHERA, Swarup Ranjan MOHANTY, Dipanjan RAY, Shesdev PATRO, Subhrendu Sekhar MISHRA and Anil MOHAPATRA. 2025. Resolving the Pseudorhombus arsius cryptic species complex (Teleostei, Paralichthyidae): phylogenetic evidence and description of Pseudorhombus bahudaensis sp. nov. Zootaxa. 5711(3); 381-397. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5711.3.4 [2025-10-20]