New marine tardigrade species discovered in Odisha

After four decades, the Actinarctus tardigrade family has a new member from India, Actinarctus odissi. Discovered near Markandi in Odisha at a depth of 14 metres, this microscopic species has distinct features, including a dome-shaped body, wing-like flaps, and trombone-shaped internal pillars. Over 1,500 tardigrade species are known worldwide, but marine forms remain understudied.