Scientists discover glowing ‘jewel of the sea’ off India’s west coast in a new diatomic species!

Diatoms (Photo: Natural History museum) When we dive into the ocean, we see that the depths of the sea are often dotted with glittery stones and shells that look no less than jewels. To our surprise, they are not real precious gems or metal chunks, instead, they are microorganisms!These tiny organisms, known as diatoms, are tiny wonders of the natural world. They are microscopic, single-celled algae that play an outsized role in keeping our planet alive. Often referred to as the “jewels of the sea,” these intricately patterned microorganisms produce between 20% and 50% of Earth’s oxygen, forming the backbone of aquatic food webs from zooplankton to whales.Recently, a team of researchers from India’s Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Manipal, and the University of Colorado, USA, has discovered a new species of diatom, named Climaconeis heteropolaris, found along the southwestern coast of India. This adds a fresh piece to the puzzle of marine biodiversity and draws attention to the microscopic life flourishing even in areas shaped by human activity.

‘Jewels of the sea’ at the meeting point of rivers!

The researchers collected the sample on December 19, 2023, from the coastal estuaries where the Sita and Swarna rivers flow into the Arabian Sea. In that sample, they discovered a completely new species of diatom, which they’ve named Climaconeis heteropolaris. This is the first time a species from the Climaconeis group has ever been recorded along India’s west coast.To examine the new species, scientists collected algal samples using concentrated nitric acid, followed by extensive rinses via centrifugation. The specimens were then mounted on slides and studied under Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy, and further studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal fine details of the frustule, the silica-based shell. Image processing was carried out with GIMP; presentation plates were made in Inkscape; and maps were created via QGIS using landscape imagery from Google Earth.When the PH levels and necessary details of the site were tested, the parameters were optimal for the habitat in which this species survives and lives.

What makes C. heteropolaris unique

This newly found diatom stands out because of its unique shape, its two ends aren’t the same, which is called a heteropolar valve. Its body is shaped somewhere between a spear and a club, with rounded, head-like tips. Each cell is quite small, measuring about 76.5 to 120.5 micrometres long and 9.5 to 14.5 micrometres wide. The tiny lines on its shell, called striae, have a distinct pattern, which spreads out from the center, runs parallel in the middle, and comes closer together near the ends, with about 17 to 22 lines packed into every 10 micrometres.

Why this discovery matters and what’s next

This is the first time a Climaconeis species has been recorded on India’s west coast; until now, they had only been found on the eastern side. Documenting its detailed features helps scientists accurately classify it and opens the door for future research, including genetic studies and ecological monitoring. This kind of discovery helps to enhance our understanding of Earth’s biodiversity and provides valuable information to track environmental changes and human impact in sensitive coastal areas.



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