Actinarctus odissi: New Marine Water Bear Species Discovered Off Odisha Coast

Overview

Scientists have discovered a new species of tardigrade off the northeast coast of India. The microscopic creature is named  Actinarctus odissi . It was found in the shallow marine waters of the Bay of Bengal, near Markandi in Odisha. The name “odissi” honours the famous classical dance form of Odisha. This is the first time in 43 years that a new member of this rare genus has been found. Tardigrades are also called water bears. They are famous for surviving extreme conditions like heat, cold, and even outer space.

Latest News: New Tardigrade Species Found After 43 Years

In May 2026, scientists announced the discovery of a new tardigrade species. They named it  Actinarctus odissi . The creature was found in the shallow marine waters of the Bay of Bengal, near Markandi, Odisha. This is a big event for marine biology. The last time a new species of this genus was discovered was 43 years ago. The researchers chose the name “odissi” to pay tribute to Odisha’s traditional classical dance form. The discovery highlights how much we still do not know about the tiny creatures living in India’s coastal waters.

About Actinarctus odissi

Actinarctus odissi is a marine tardigrade. It is microscopic, meaning it cannot be seen with the naked eye. It belongs to a rare genus called Actinarctus. Only a few species of this genus are known to science. This new species was collected from the seafloor in shallow waters. It lives among sand and small particles. The creature is very small, like all tardigrades. But its structure is complex and beautiful under a microscope.

Physical Features of Actinarctus odissi

The new species has several unique features that set it apart from its relatives.

• Body shape : It has a dome-shaped body. The body is surrounded by transparent, wing-like flaps called  alae . These flaps are supported by translucent pillars.

• Shorter lateral wings : Other species in this genus have long wings and elaborate internal supports. But Actinarctus odissi has noticeably shorter side wings.

• Legs and sensory organs : Its back legs have simple, un-split sensory organs. These organs are much shorter than those of its cousins.

• Blunt-tipped appendages : It has blunt-tipped sensory appendages on its body. Other species often have sharp tips.

• Heavily sculptured back : The back of this tardigrade is uniquely covered with tiny, trombone-shaped pillars. This gives it a textured look.

These features help scientists tell it apart from all other known tardigrades.

What Are Tardigrades?

Tardigrades are tiny microscopic animals. People often call them  “water bears”  or  “moss-piglets” . Scientists have identified about 1,300 tardigrade species so far. They can be found in almost every habitat on Earth. Most species live in freshwater or in wet places like moss and soil. But some, like Actinarctus odissi, live in the sea. Marine tardigrades make up about 17% of all known tardigrade species.

Size and shape : Tardigrades are very short. Their body length ranges from