Indonesia has once again demonstrated the richness of its marine biodiversity through scientific discoveries made by a research team from Universitas Brawijaya (UB). Led by lecturer from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi, S.T., M.Sc., the team has successfully identified two new genera and seven new species of microalgae from the Catenulaceae family in Bawean Island and Tomini Bay areas, Central Sulawesi.
This research is the result of collaboration between UB and the University of Szczecin, Poland, and involves various partner institutions. Using morphological analysis techniques based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), researchers traced the diversity of diatoms from sediments and dead coral fragments in shallow tropical marine environments.
The two new genera discovered are Paracatenula and Wallaceago. Paracatenula porostriata was found in Gili Iyang, Bawean. Its distinctive feature is that its shell has a circular structure with small holes and a flat valve shape, like a different top and bottom. Meanwhile, Wallaceago porostriatus was found in Tomini Bay. What makes it unique is the shape of its valve which is half like a rhombus, with fine lines only visible on the bottom. The name Wallaceago was given as a tribute to Alfred Russel Wallace, an important figure in the history of biogeography in Indonesia.
The researchers also discovered five new species from the Catenula group, namely Catenula boyanensis, Catenula komodensis, Catenula decusa, Catenula densestriata, and Catenulopsis baweana. Each of these five species has its own characteristics, from the pattern of lines on the surface of its shell, the various valve shapes, to the small decorations of hard sand-like substances (called silica) that make each species look unique.
Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi explained that this discovery has important value not only in terms of taxonomy, but also as a basis for monitoring the marine environment, tropical water ecology, and paleoecological studies.
“This proves that the Indonesian sea contains a lot of microscopic life that we do not yet fully understand,” he said.
Furthermore, Luthfi invited students not to be afraid to start research in fields that have not been widely touched, such as microalgae.
“Students are often confused about finding a thesis title, feeling stuck, even though the source of ideas is all around us. With a wealth of biodiversity like this, there should be no reason to run out of ideas,” he said.
This discovery has been published in a reputable international journal. Oktiyas added that the study of ecology and taxonomy of microalgae can produce more reputable scientific publications, as well as open up opportunities for major contributions in the academic and environmental worlds that can strengthen UB’s contribution in the field of marine and global life sciences.
“UB has great potential to become a center for marine microorganism research. We as lecturers are also committed to continuing to publish findings of new species. A step that is not only scientifically proud, but also brings UB’s name to the international arena,” he concluded. [RBK/MIT/UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
