Rare Bamboo Shrimp Reappears in Indian Waters After Seven Decades
In a remarkable discovery for Indian biodiversity, a team of researchers has confirmed the existence of the bamboo shrimp in the wild after a gap of 72 years. The team from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Chennai's Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology successfully located populations of this elusive species in the states of Karnataka and Odisha.
The Hunt for the Lost Species
The quest to find the shrimp, scientifically known as Atyopsis spinipes, was reignited in 2022. The search began after an aquarium hobbyist from Odisha spotted a mature specimen. Unfortunately, the researchers could not acquire that particular shrimp for study as it died in captivity. This single sighting, however, provided a crucial lead.
The research team, which included Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based scientist Maclean Antony Santos, then embarked on a challenging two-year mission. They focused their search in areas matching the shrimp's unique life cycle. Being amphidromous, the shrimp require brackish water for larval development before the adults return to freshwater habitats.
The scientists concentrated on locations with sandy riverbeds, leaf litter, driftwood, and mangrove-lined banks. In Karnataka, the search was especially difficult as earlier clues were centered on Odisha. Extensive surveys were conducted across Udupi, Karwar, and Mangaluru using various methods before the team finally secured specimens.
A Case of Mistaken Identity and Ecological Significance
This rediscovery also corrects a historical misidentification. The shrimp originally documented in India 72 years ago was classified as Atyopsis mollucensis, a different species within the same genus. The researchers confirmed that all the specimens they collected, including a historical museum sample from the Andaman Islands, belong to the spinipes species.
This distinction is ecologically significant. The team noted that Atyopsis spinipes larvae have a higher tolerance for salt and temperature changes compared to mollucensis. This adaptability has likely allowed the species to spread more widely. These shrimp are filter feeders, using specialized fan-like limbs to strain edible particles from flowing water, a fascinating sight for aquarium enthusiasts.
Conservation Challenges and Future Threats
The research team issued a statement highlighting the urgent need for systematic surveys and genetic validation to prevent such misidentifications, which can obstruct effective conservation planning. They emphasized that this rediscovery is a sign that many species in India's freshwater ecosystems remain undocumented.
This is particularly concerning as these habitats face increasing threats from bridge construction, sand mining, and other human disturbances. Beyond these general threats, the aquarium trade poses a specific risk. The bamboo shrimp is popular and can sell for Rs 350 to Rs 600 each. However, a critical problem is that, unlike many other ornamental shrimps, they cannot be easily bred in captivity. This creates a direct pressure on wild populations if not managed with proper awareness and sustainable practices.
