In the lush forests of southwestern India, scientists have stumbled upon a captivating “blood”-coloured creature that has turned out to be a previously undiscovered species. The vibrant animal, identified as the Ghatiana sanguinolenta or the blood-red Ghat crab, was observed in the Central Western Ghats region of Karnataka, with researchers encountering four of these unique crustaceans.
Described in a study published on October 11 in the journal Zootaxa, the blood-red Ghat crab measures approximately 1.1 inches in width and 0.7 inches in length. It boasts a distinctive appearance with a “broad” and “strongly arched” body, complemented by small eyes. The most striking feature, however, is its “unique” dark blood-red colour, as highlighted by the researchers. Detailed images showcase the rich and relatively uniform burgundy red colouring of the crab’s body, with the tips of its claws exhibiting a lighter cherry red hue.
Belonging to the freshwater crab category, the blood-red Ghat crab has been found to inhabit forests, seeking refuge in tree holes during the night while also venturing into open areas for foraging. Identification of this new species was based on various characteristics, including its distinctive colouring, body shape, and the peculiar genitalia of males. Notably, the genitalia of male blood-red Ghat crabs feature an “outwardly curved” tip, providing a key marker for their classification.
As of now, the species has only been discovered in a forest near Devimane, Karnataka, situated approximately 1,100 miles southwest of New Delhi. While researchers have not yet conducted a DNA analysis of the blood-red Ghat crab, the exploration and documentation of this newfound species were led by scientists Sameer Kumar Pati, Tejas Thackeray, and Swapnil Pawar.