Context:
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has identified a novel marine species of head-shield sea slug.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
Dimensions of the Article:
- Discovery of Melanochlamys droupadi: A New Marine Species
Discovery of Melanochlamys droupadi: A New Marine Species
- The species, named Melanochlamys droupadi, was discovered along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha.
Morphological Characteristics of Melanochlamys Species:
- Genus Melanochlamys exhibits distinctive features, including a short, blunt, and cylindrical body.
- The dorsal surface features two shields, namely the anterior cephalic and posterior shield.
Unique Attributes of Melanochlamys droupadi:
- The species is small, brownish-black, with a distinct ruby red spot at the hind end.
- It is classified as a hermaphrodite.
- Reproduction occurs in the period between November and January.
Defensive Mechanism:
- Melanochlamys droupadi secretes transparent mucus, serving as a shield against sand grains while navigating beneath smooth sand.
- This defensive mechanism renders its body seldom visible.
Geographic Distribution:
- While species within this group are typically found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm, Melanochlamys droupadi is among the three truly tropical species.
- Other tropical counterparts include Melanochlamys papillata from the Gulf of Thailand and Melanochlamys bengalensis from the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha.
-Source: The Hindu
