Named after ISRO New species of Isopod Discovered in Kollam

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 22-03-2024

Named after ISRO New species of Isopod Discovered in Kollam

Place in News 4 min read

Researchers have discovered a new species of deep-sea isopod off the Kerala coast and named it after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

About Brucethoa isro:

A recent discovery has uncovered a new species of deep-sea isopod off the Kollam coast in Kerala. This tiny crustacean, which feeds on fish, belongs to the genus Brucethoa and was found at the base of the Spinyjaw greeneye's gill cavity.
Interestingly, this is the second documented species within the genus to be found in India, and it has been given the name Brucethoa isro in recognition of the Indian space agency's impressive space missions.
Interestingly, females of this species are typically larger than males, growing up to 19mm in length and 6mm in width compared to males, who are only about half that size.

What are Isopods?

Isopods are a fascinating order of invertebrates that belong to the larger group of crustaceans, alongside popular marine creatures like crabs and shrimp. They have adapted well to a range of diverse habitats, from arid deserts to high mountain ranges, and can even be found in the depths of the ocean.
These remarkable creatures have a global distribution, making them a truly remarkable example of the diversity of the animal kingdom.

Features:

Isopods are an incredibly diverse group of crustaceans, with a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Despite their differences, they share certain common features, such as two pairs of antennae, compound eyes, and four sets of jaws.
Their bodies are made up of seven segments, each with its own pair of walking legs. Isopods have a small abdominal segment consisting of six segments, known as "plions", with one or more segments fused to a tail segment.
While around half of all known isopod species live in the ocean, many others inhabit coastal and shelf waters, either moving around on the seafloor or residing in plants. While most isopods are free-living, some marine species are parasitic and live off of other animals.

About Kollam

Kollam, located in the heart of Kerala. The famous Ashtamudi Lake, which is a popular boating attraction for tourists is located here.
The Kollam canal also cuts through the city, giving Kollam a prominent place in the waterway systems of the country. The lake is dotted with numerous islands of varying sizes, which add to its beauty.
The city is home to several beaches that are perfect for spending quiet evenings. Additionally, Kollam boasts a significant forest cover on its eastern side, providing a habitat for numerous eco-tourism projects such as Shenduruni, Thenmala, and Palaruvi.