Tiny 3-mm Crab Discovered in Lakshadweep, Named After Marine Biologist

• Scientists found an extremely small 3-mm crab species, smaller than a grain of rice, in the coral reefs of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep.
• The new species, Galathea balasubramaniani, honors marine biologist T Balasubramanian for his contributions to marine sciences.
• Researchers from NBFGR, Kochi, confirmed it as a distinct species through detailed body structure examination and genetic testing.
• The crab belongs to the genus Galathea, a group of reef-dwelling anomuran crabs vital for reef health and the marine food chain.
• This discovery highlights the unexplored marine life in Lakshadweep and the importance of conserving fragile coral reef ecosystems.