Indiconema, a New Diatom Genus Discovered in Eastern Ghats, Showcasing India's Unique Biodiversity

Researchers from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune have uncovered a new genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom in the pristine waters of the Eastern Ghats. This newly identified genus, named Indiconema, is distinguished by unique valve features, including symmetry and the presence of pore fields at both the head and foot poles. The genus name reflects its limited distribution within India, emphasizing the country’s rich and unique biodiversity.

Diatoms, microscopic algae essential to aquatic ecosystems, produce around 25% of the global oxygen supply and serve as a fundamental component of the aquatic food chain. Their sensitivity to changes in water chemistry makes them excellent indicators of water quality. The discovery of Indiconema highlights the critical role diatoms play in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. 

The first recorded study of diatoms in India dates back to 1845, with Ehrenberg's pioneering work documented in "Mikrogeologie." Since then, Indian researchers have identified approximately 6,500 diatom taxa, with about 30% being endemic to the country. India’s diverse biogeographic zones, which range from freshwater to marine environments, from sea level to high mountains, and from alkaline lakes to acidic swamps, support this incredible diversity.

The research, published in the journal Phycologia, documents two species of Indiconema: one from the Eastern Ghats and another from the Western Ghats. This discovery mirrors patterns observed in other endemic-rich groups, such as reptiles, which share species between these two mountain ranges.

Interestingly, Indiconema has been found to be closely related to Afrocymbella, a diatom genus endemic to East Africa. This finding supports earlier observations of similarities between diatom species in India, East Africa, and Madagascar. The evolutionary link between these regions underscores the importance of monsoons and varying wetness in shaping diatom flora across the Indian Peninsula.

Supported by the erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), now the Advanced National Research Foundation (ANRF), this research underscores the significance of continuous scientific exploration in understanding diatom biogeography and their contribution to India’s ecological landscapes.

The discovery of Indiconema not only enriches our knowledge of diatom diversity but also highlights the critical importance of protecting and studying India’s unique and varied habitats.