Caridina biyiga sp. nov., a new freshwater shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from Leichhardt Springs, Kakadu National Park, Australia, based on morphological and molecular data, with a preliminary illustrated key to Northern Territory Caridina

Scientists have identified Caridina biyiga, a new species of freshwater shrimp from Leichhardt Springs, Kakadu National Park, Australia. This discovery is notable for its distinctive morphology, including unique features such as the dactylus of pereiopod 5 and the absence of a comb-like row of spiniform setae typical of the genus Caridina. Molecular analysis using mitochondrial 16S rDNA and COI gene fragments revealed genetic distances of 5.1–6.0% and 10.4–15.1%, respectively, supporting its classification within the 'thermophila' group of Caridina species. The study also provides a preliminary key for identifying Northern Territory Caridina species and highlights the conservation significance of Leichhardt Springs and its aquatic fauna.

SHORT, J. W., PAGE, T. J., & HUMPHREY, C. L. (2019). Caridina biyiga sp. nov., a new freshwater shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from Leichhardt Springs, Kakadu National Park, Australia, based on morphological and molecular data, with a preliminary illustrated key to Northern Territory Caridina. Zootaxa, 4695(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4695.1.1