This study provides the first documentation of three deep conspecific lineages within Panulirus polyphagus in the Indian Ocean, bridging the gap in genetic research. Comparative mitogenomics between lineages (L) at both species and family levels, evolutionary relationships and heterogeneity of sequence divergence within Decapoda, and divergence time estimation were performed. The characterized mitogenomes ranged from 15,685–15,705 bp in size and exhibited a typical pancrustacean pattern. Among the three lineages, L1 predominated the Bay of Bengal, L2 the Arabian Sea, and L2.a, a less common lineage genetically closer to L2, was restricted to the latter region. A minor lineage L1.a, was observed in the Coral Triangle area. All PCGs displayed evidence of purifying selection across species and family levels. The largest genetic distance (K2P) between lineages was 9 %, notably between L1.a and L2.a. The phylogenetic tree subdivided the Achelates into Palinuridae and Scyllaridae, and the topology demonstrated a distinct pattern of lineage diversification within P. polyphagus. AliGROOVE analysis revealed no discernible divergence in Decapoda. The diversification of P. polyphagus appears to have occurred during Miocene, with further diversification in Pliocene. Furthermore, genetic stocks and population connectivity recognized here will provide valuable insight for spatial management planning of this dwindling resource.

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Tamil Nadu and its southern coast are well-known for seaweed diversity and abundant resources in India. Brown seaweeds are primary habitat producers in reef environments. The objective of this study was to assess the spatiotemporal variation in diversity and abundance of brown seaweed species along the intertidal region at selected coastal locations on the southern coast of Tamil Nadu, India. The sampling was performed monthly at six coastal locations, namely Hare Island (HI), Tuticorin Harbour (TH), Chinna Muttom (CM), Arockiapuram (AP), Vedhalai (VD), and Mandapam (MP), along the intertidal region during low tides between January 2021 and December 2021. A total of 36 brown seaweed species were identified at six locations, namely Sargassum (9 species), followed by Padina (5 species), Turbinaria (3 species), Dictyota (3 species) and 16 species each of others. In the context of different locations, the highest species diversity was observed at HI (35) and the lowest at CM (21) during the study period. The highest abundance was recorded at CM (19.80?kg?wt m−2), while the lowest was reported at AP (9.51?kg?wt m−2). Sargassum and Turbinaria exhibited the highest prevalence across all the locations. Among different seasons, the maximum species diversity was recorded during PoMoN (26), whereas the minimum species diversity was recorded during PrMoN (11). Similarly, the highest abundance was seen during PoMoN, whereas the lowest abundance was reported during PrMoN. These findings offer crucial foundational data for the preservation and exploitation of brown seaweeds.

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Fanged sea bream, Sparidentex jamalensis Amir et al. (Pak J Zool 46(2):471–477, 2014) has been recently recorded for the first time in Indian waters from Korapuzha, Kadalundi and Moorad estuaries, Calicut, Kerala. Previously this species was reported only from Pakistan waters globally and till date there are no other reports available on the distribution of this species elsewhere. The morphometric measurements and meristic counts of the specimens collected in the present study were similar to those specimens reported from type locality with few variations. The variations observed in comparison with specimens from Pakistan are the counts of dorsal-fin spines (11–12 vz 11); dorsal-fin rays (11–12 vz 11); anal-fin rays (81/2 – 9 vz 8) pored lateral-line scales (45- 48 vz 45- 47) and in the number of gill rakers in the upper limb (6- 9 vz 6- 7). The difference observed in morphometric and meristic characters owes to the origin of species from two different geographical regions or genetic differences or environmental impact, or combination of all the above. The present report indicates an extension of the geographical distribution range of S. jamalensis from its localities. Identification of the species was further confirmed using DNA barcoding.

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In this study, a new brain cell line designated PB1BrTr was derived from the maroon clownfish Premnas biaculeatus (Bloch, 1790) and characterised. The PB1BrTr cell line was developed by trypsinisation method using Leibovitz’s L15 (L-15) medium supplemented with 20% FBS (foetal bovine serum) and subcultured over 100 times. Characterisation encompassed studies on optimal growth kinetics, chromosomal analysis and genotyping of the mitochondrial CO1 gene. A high revival rate (85-95%) and good attachment during seeding after a year of cryostorage demonstrated the high stability of the cell line. This cell line exhibited good seeding efficiency of 84% at 1.25 x 105 cells ml-1 and a range of plating efficiencies from 14-23% at varying cell densities. It was observed that 28?C was the ideal temperature for its growth. Serum requirement decreased with increased passage and lowered to 2% FBS beyond 60 passages. However, higher serum concentration (2-20%) caused a concurrent increase in cell growth. The cell line displayed a fibroblast-type morphology, with immunotyping results revealing robust reactivity towards the fibroblast marker. Chromosome analysis of this cell line revealed aneuploidy and its authenticity was validated by mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) genotyping analysis. This brain cell line demonstrated notably high transfection efficiency with pcDNA3-EGFP plasmid using Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent. This continuous cell line presents a valuable in vitro tool for diverse research applications, including gene transfer and expression studies.

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The present study delves into the reproductive characteristics of Metapenaeopsis andamanensis, a commercially significant deep-water shrimp collected from Sakthikulangara, off Kollam, India (8°56′60.78″ N/76°32′34.27″ E) during September 2019 to May 2022. Despite its economic importance, the reproductive traits of this species remain elusive. This research comprehensively examines macroscopic and microscopic features associated with gonadal maturity stages, including determination of size at first maturity (CL50), gonadosomatic index, and fecundity of M. andamanensis. Male-to-female sex ratio was noted as 1:1.03 using chi-square analysis. The smallest mature individuals were observed at 12 mm and 16 mm carapace length for males and females, respectively. Macroscopic observation categorized females into five groups based on gonadal coloration, while microscopic examination identified seven stages using histological characteristics. Notably, the absence of cortical crypts in the periphery of oocyte cytoplasm, a characteristic feature of the genus Metapenaeopsis, was observed in this species. Males were classified into two categories based on macroscopic and microscopic observation. The gonadosomatic index ranged from 4.25 to 10.13 for mature female individuals, exhibiting a significant increase until stage IV. Continuous spawning was observed, with a peak in May and November. The size at first maturity for females and males was determined as carapace length (CL) 23.05 mm and 17.53 mm, respectively. The average absolute fecundity was calculated as 53,889 with an average relative fecundity of 9934 oocytes. This investigation contributes valuable insights into the reproductive traits of the deep-water penaeid shrimp M. andamanensis, facilitating the development of effective management strategies for sustainable fisheries.

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