ZSI scientists discover rare marine nematode species on Tamil Nadu beach
Times of India | 23 May 2025
A team from the Kolkata-headquartered Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has made a scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a new species of free-living marine nematode—tiny worm-like organisms vital to ocean health—on a sandy beach in Tamil Nadu.Led by senior scientist Anjum Rizvi and her researcher Ritika Datta, the team identified the new species as Pheronous jairajpurii Datta & Rizvi, 2025. This rare find marks only the third known species in the Pheronous genus, previously documented only in South Africa (1966) and China (2015), the latter also reported in Korea in 2023.“This discovery significantly expands the known global distribution of this rare group and highlights the rich and often overlooked biodiversity along India's coastline,” said Dhriti Banerjee, director, ZSI. “Each new species we uncover brings us closer to understanding our marine ecosystems and strengthens the case for their protection.”Free-living marine nematodes like Pheronous jairajpurii play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. They are considered bioindicators, helping scientists assess the condition of coastal environments.The species has been named in honour of the late Professor M.S. Jairajpuri, a pioneering Indian nematologist renowned for his foundational contributions to the study of nematodes in India.ZSI scientists emphasize that such discoveries underscore the urgency of continued marine biodiversity research. “This finding is a testament to the incredible and often hidden life thriving in our oceans,” Dr. Banerjee noted.With India’s extensive and ecologically diverse coastline, experts believe that many more species remain to be discovered, each offering new insights into the delicate balance of marine life.