News Highlight
Researchers have discovered a new estuarine crab species in the mangroves of Parangipettai near the Vellar River in the Cuddalore district.
Key Takeaway
- The species has been named Pseudohelice Annamalai in recognition of Annamalai University’s 100 years of service in education and research.
- The discovery has been published in the latest issue of Zoological Studies.
Estuarine crab
- Discovery
- Specimens of “Pseudohelice Annamalai” (new estuarine crab species) were collected from the high intertidal areas of the Vellar River estuary, Parangipettai, with sediments composed of mud and sand.
- Species distribution
- The species discovered is distributed around the Indian subcontinent and the eastern Indian Ocean.
- Significance
- So far, only two species — Pseudohelice subquadrata and Pseudohelice latreillii — have been confirmed within this genus.
- Features
- Pseudohelice annamalai is distinguished by dark purple to dark grey, with irregular light brown, yellowish brown, or white patches on the posterior carapace with light brown chelipeds.
- The new species is small and has a maximum width of up to 20 mm.
- This species is not aggressive and can move fast like other intertidal crabs.
The Vellar River
- About
- The Vellar River, or South Vellar River, is a non-perennial river in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
- Course
- The river begins as several small streams around the Kumirakatti forest reserve about 9 km west of Karumalai village.
- It flows southeast into the Palk Strait, part of the Bay of Bengal.
- Tributaries
- The Nerunjikudiyar River
- The Gundar River
Content Source: The Hindu