New Diatom Species Discovered in Udupi Estuarine Waters

New Diatom Species Discovered in Udupi Estuarine Waters

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 30, 2025: A team of Indian and international researchers has identified a new species of diatom in the estuarine waters of Udupi. The microscopic algae, which play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems, have been named Climaconeis heteropolaris sp. nov., distinguished by its unique heteropolar (unequal) valve shape.

The discovery was jointly made by Dr. Radhakrishnan Cheran and Dr. Karthick Balasubramanian of the Biodiversity & Paleobiology Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune; Dr. Gokul Valsan and Dr. Anish Kumar Warrier of the Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE; and Dr. John Patrick Kociolek of the Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.

Explaining the morphology, Dr. Anish Kumar Warrier said the valves are lanceolate-clavate (club-shaped) with rounded ends, broader at the center and tapering toward the tips. Measuring 76.5–120.5 µm in length and 9.5–14.5 µm in width, they are adorned with fine striae radiating from the center, running parallel in the middle, and converging at the ends. A rectangular stauros (cross-band) runs across the valve, with short striae on either side.

Under a scanning electron microscope, the structure reveals pores (areolae) varying from round to elongated, a straight raphe (slit) forming a distinctive ‘tuning fork’ pattern, and a flat surface with a curved mantle. Internal features include longitudinal ribs, a raised stauros, and a characteristic ‘porte-crayon’ formation at the distal ends. The species was collected from the estuarine zone where the Sita and Swarna rivers meet before flowing into the Arabian Sea.

Diatoms are single-celled algae renowned for their ornate silica shells and ecological importance. They form the base of aquatic food webs and contribute nearly one-fourth of the Earth’s oxygen supply. Their fossilized remains are widely used in climate and environmental studies.

“The discovery underlines the rich biodiversity of India’s coastlines and the pressing need to document it. Many species remain undiscovered and are increasingly at risk due to pollution and other human activities,” Dr. Warrier said.