New marine tardigrade species named after former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Last Updated22/09/2023

Recently, researchers have identified a new species of marine tardigrade, which they have named after the late former President and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

These are extremely tiny animals whose size is measured in micrometres.
Their microscopic size, however, belies their toughness.
They are known for their extraordinary resilience and survival instincts.
Studied using microscopes, these water-dwelling animals are also known as ‘water bears.’

Batillipes kalami, the new species, discovered from Mandapam in southeast Tamil Nadu belongs to the genus Batillipes.
It is the second marine tardigrade to be discovered from Indian waters and the first one from the east coast.
It is also the first taxonomically described species belonging to the genus Batillipes from India.
- Three species were reported from Indian waters in the past.
- However, they lack proper taxonomic descriptions making verification impossible.

Size-wise it averages 170 micrometres in length and around 50 micrometres in width.
It has a trapezoid-shaped head with sharp-tipped filament-like appendages (cirri) extending from it.
All four pairs of legs possess sensory spines of varying lengths.
The females are slightly bigger compared to the males.