Rare marine discovery at Vasai Beach puts Maharashtra on biodiversity map

The Sargassum sea slug documented at Bhuigaon Beach in Vasai. Pics courtesy/Datta Pednekar

A rare Sargassum sea slug spotted during low tide at Bhuigaon Beach in Vasai has become the first documented record of the species in Maharashtra, exciting marine biodiversity enthusiasts. Wildlife photographer Datta Pednekar photographed the unusual nudibranch in February. Experts said the documented sighting will improve understanding of Maharashtra's marine biodiversity and strengthen records of species found along the state's coastline.

Small slug, big impact

The Sargassum sea slug lives among floating seaweed and feeds on hydroids - tiny aquatic organisms growing on floating Sargassum mats. Pednekar said, "Documenting nudibranch sightings helps understand marine biodiversity, track species distribution, identify rare species, and study the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The species also helps maintain the balance of floating Sargassum ecosystems by feeding on hydroids and other epiphytes that can smother the algae. It also helps control hydroid populations.

Pednekar shares

"I spotted the Sargassum sea slug during low tide at Bhuigaon Beach in February. At first, we thought it was another sea slug species. After experts confirmed its identity, we realised it was the first recorded sighting in Maharashtra. I was thrilled."

Long process

Pednekar said the sighting was made public only months later because species identification takes time. "Just from an image of the sea slug, we cannot identify its species because there are similar-looking sea slugs. Until a researcher confirms the identification, we cannot publish the information," he told mid-day.