New Microalgae Genera Discovered in Indonesian Waters by Brawijaya University

MALANG, East Java, Indonesia — A research team from Brawijaya University (UB) has announced the discovery of two new genera of microalgae, identified as Paracatenula and Wallaceago, in the waters surrounding Bawean Island in Gresik Regency, East Java, and Tomini Bay in Central Sulawesi. The findings were made public on June 24, 2025, and underscore the biodiversity present in Indonesia's marine ecosystems.

The research, led by Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi, a lecturer at UB’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, highlights the significance of these discoveries not only for marine biology but also for ecological studies. Luthfi noted that the genus name Wallaceago was chosen to honor Alfred Russel Wallace, a prominent naturalist known for his contributions to the field of biogeography. The genera include new species such as Paracatenula porostriata, which features a circular shell structure with small pores, and Wallaceago porostriatus, which has partially diamond-shaped valves with fine lines on the lower surface.

According to the published findings in an international scientific journal, the research team also identified several new species within previously established genera, including four new species in the genus Catenula: Catenula boyanensis, Catenula komodensis, Catenula decusa, and Catenula densestriata, as well as a new species under the genus Catenulopsis named Catenulopsis baweana. The latter was specifically named after Bawean Island, where it was discovered.

The identification process took place over a three-year period from 2021 to 2024, utilizing advanced techniques such as light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to conduct morphological analyses. The research involved collaboration with several international institutions, including the University of Szczecin and the University of Rzeszów in Poland, and the University of Michigan in the United States.

Luthfi emphasized the critical ecological role of microalgae, stating, "Microalgae are responsible for generating 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen," underscoring their importance in sustaining life on Earth. He added that these discoveries provide a foundation for monitoring marine environments, studying tropical aquatic ecology, and conducting paleoecological research.

Moreover, Luthfi remarked that this research highlights the rich biodiversity of Indonesia's marine ecosystems, suggesting that there is still much to learn about the microscopic life that inhabits these waters. He stated, "This proves that Indonesia’s oceans harbor an abundance of microscopic life that we have yet to fully understand."

This discovery not only contributes to the scientific community's knowledge of marine biodiversity but also raises awareness about the essential functions that microalgae perform within oceanic environments, reinforcing the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts in Indonesia's coastal and marine areas.