Researchers discovered two new genera, and four new species of millimetre-sized crustacean parasites that infest fishes and other marine life forms.
Researchers have named the new family Uranoscopicolaidae, as this parasitic copepod was found to live off the Dollfus’ Stargazer (Uranoscopus guttatus).
It is a fish dwelling in depths ranging from 300-550 m off the southwest Indian coast.
This is also the first discovery and description of a new crustacean family from India.
The discovery of the new family Uranoscopicolaidae has also led to the creation of a new genus and species, Hirodai ohstukai, under it.
The team also discovered a new genus and isopod species which has been named Glyptothoa sagara.
Another new isopod crustacean parasite species, named Elthusa aquabio.
The fourth new species is a 11-12 mm “flesh-penetrating parasitic copepod.