Bhubaneswar: A group of researchers from the universities of Utkal, Berhampur and Ravenshaw has found a new species of lobster in the Chilika lake.

The lobster was found in Sipakuda and Magarmukh regions of the lake.

Debasish Mahapatro, who is a researcher with the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), said the occurrence of flat head lobster (Thenus orientalis) is of great socio-economic significance as it is a popular delicacy in southern India and abroad.

Mahapatro said most of fishermen were not aware of the economic importance of lobsters. "These are usually thrown away by fishermen. The lobsters are source of protein, vitamin and minerals. They should be made aware about the significance of lobsters," he said.

Lobsters are found along the northwest and southeast coasts of India.

In the Bay of Bengal, the species has found off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shoal Bay, Tamil Nadu coast, Bengal coast and the Gulf of Mannar.

Before this find, Chilika was home to two species of lobsters - Panulirus ornatus and Panulirus polyphagus - from the family Palinuridae (spiny lobsters).

"This is for the first time that Thenus orientalis has been found in a shallow brackish water region like the outer channel of the Chilika lake that is connected to the Bay of Bengal," said Mahapatro.

This species is usually found buried inside sand and its body colour resembles its area of location, thus making it difficult to identify.

The lake spread over the districts of Khurda, Puri and Ganjam is famous for its black tiger shrimp or bagada chinguri.

Additional chief executive of the CDA Sasmita Lenka said that the Thenus population is under severe threat globally due to over exploitation and incidental catch.