Marine scientists discover two new ornamental shrimps in Andaman Islands

Chennai

“Percilemella Agattii and Urocaridella Arabianensis are two new species discovered during the exploration and the details have been published in the international journals for the perusal of taxonomists,” TT Ajith Kumar, Principal Scientist, NBFGR - peninsular and marine Fish Genetic Resource Centre told DT Next. Three species of marine ornamental shrimps such as Thor hainanensis, Ancylocaris brevicarpalis and Gnathophyllum americanum are acclimatised for broodstock and the first of its kind project would help the native people of Andamans, including tribes, to practise ornamental fish and shrimp farming.

“It is estimated that around 90 per cent of the freshwater fishes are captive-raised and the remaining 10 per cent are caught in wild. However, among marine ornamental organisms, about 95 per cent are harvested from natural waters and only 5 per cent are from captive hatcheries, mostly belonging to Pomacentridae family,” professor Ajith said. Thor hainanensis Lysmata hochi and Argeiopsis inhacae with Stenophus hispidus were other species found in Andamans. Besides, over 500 individual of fifteen species of ornamental shrimps were collected from the wild for germplasm conservation and captive propagation, Ajith added. “These fascinating ornamental shrimps exhibit myriad colours, semiotic association with other groups, behaviours and body forms, which make them attractive to the hobbyists, suggesting potential avenues for promoting marine ornamental trade in India, besides supporting the livelihood of the coastal and island communities,” said Dr Kuldeep K Lal, director, ICAR - National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources.