New species of marine amphipod discovered

Context (DTE): Researchers have discovered a new species of marine amphipod, a shrimp-like crustacea of genus Parhyale.

Amphipods are a significant group in the marine ecosystem and play a vital role in the marine food chain.
They serve as indicators for studying the impact of climate change & health of coastal ecosystems.

The new species has been named Parhyale odian after Odisha’s native language, Odia, as the species was collected there.
The newly discovered species differs from all other 15 species by having a stout robust seta — a spine-like structure on the surface of the propodus of the male gnathopod (first pair of legs)
They are mostly found underneath stones with attached vegetation and also in the burrows of isopods.

Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is a ephemeral (not permanent) brackish water lagoon.
It is a shallow bar-built estuary (partially enclosed coastal area of brackish water).
The western and southern margins of the lake are fringed by the Eastern Ghats.
It is located at the mouth of the Daya River (that flows into the Bay of Bengal).
It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated India’s first Ramsar Site.
The Irrawaddy dolphin (EN) is the flagship species of Chilika lake. Chilika is home to the only known population of Irrawaddy dolphins in India.
Chilika is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent.