About Indiaphonte bijoyi:
- It is a tiny crustacean discovered from the Kavaratti lagoon in the Lakshadweep islands.
- It belongs to the family Laophontidae within the Copepoda class.
- Habitat: It lives in sediments in aquatic environments.
- Key Facts about Laophontidae:
- It is most diverse family within the order Harpacticoida.
- It is microscopic in size and plays a vital role in maintaining the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
- Ecological Role:
- They are sensitive to pollution, oil spills, heavy metals, and climate change and are considered reliable bio-indicators of environmental change.
- They are widely used in aquaculture and fisheries, especially as live feed for fish larvae.
- They produce and convert omega-3 fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) that are essential for the growth of fish and shellfish and contribute significantly to human nutritional security.
