Tiny Squat Lobster Discovered In Lakshadweep

In February 2026, scientists from ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) discovered a new species of squat lobster measuring just about 3 millimetres in the coral reef ecosystem of Agatti Island in Lakshadweep.

Key Points

Taxonomic Identity: The newly identified species belongs to the genus Galathea, a group of reef-dwelling anomuran crabs commonly known as squat lobsters.
Extremely Small Size: The newly identified species measures barely 3 millimetres, making it smaller than a grain of rice and one of the tiniest known reef-dwelling crustaceans.
Scientific Documentation: The discovery was documented in the international taxonomy journal Zootaxa after detailed morphological analysis and taxonomic classification by researchers from ICAR–NBFGR.
Habitat and Adaptation: Squat lobsters are reef-dwelling anomuran crabs that live deep inside coral structures and rocky crevices, which makes them difficult to detect during regular marine surveys.
Ecological Importance: Despite their tiny size, these organisms play a crucial role in recycling organic matter within coral reefs and form an important part of the marine food chain by serving as prey for fish and other species.
Indicator of Reef Health: Scientists noted that the presence of such micro-fauna is a strong indicator of a healthy and functioning coral reef ecosystem.
Significance for Biodiversity Research: The discovery highlights how much remains unknown about India’s marine biodiversity, particularly in remote island ecosystems like Lakshadweep.