By Olivia Miwil
SEMPORNA: A new species of marine copepod has been discovered in waters off Pulau Sipadan, adding to understanding of the area's rich marine biodiversity.
The 'Peltidium penyu' was identified by a research team led by Associate Professor Dr Azman Abdul Rahim of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia during a marine biodiversity survey.
The survey was part of the global Ocean Census initiative aimed at accelerating the discovery and documentation of marine life.
The specimen was collected from an underwater cave system known as the Turtle Tomb, where a lot of skeletal remains of sea turtles can be found. Researchers found the specimen using a light trap near the remains.
Azman said a distinct feature of the 'Peltidium penyu' is its carapace structure, which looks like a sea turtle's shell.
Images of the organism have drawn attention from researchers and the public after they surfaced online.
Following detailed morphological analysis and field validation, the team confirmed it as a new species within the 'Peltidium' genus.
The findings were published in the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology.
This discovery underscores the importance of continued marine exploration, particularly in Southeast Asia's lesser-studied habitats.
"This discovery showcases not only the hidden wonders of our marine ecosystems, but also the value of community involvement and passive citizen science in contributing to meaningful scientific breakthroughs," said Azman.
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