Online attention is being drawn to a peculiar marine worm that was discovered in the freezing waters close to Antarctica, and it is not difficult to understand why this is the case. A holiday ornament straight out of a horror film, this creature has a body that is oval in shape and coated in golden bristles that shine. It also has a gaping maw that is laced with teeth.
The worm, which is a member of the polychaete family and is commonly referred to as bristle worms due to the characteristic spikes that cover their exteriors, is known by the scientific name Eulagisca gigantea. Despite the fact that it may have lately gained widespread attention as a result of spectacular photographs that were shared on social media, this peculiar worm has been living in the Southern Ocean close to Antarctica for a very long time.
Taking a Look at the Extraordinary Predator
A remarkable “head” that is actually a retractable pharynx is located on the Eulagisca gigantea, which measures approximately 8 inches in length. This portion of its throat spreads outward when it is feeding, exposing its pointed teeth, which is a hint at the fact that it is considered a predator. This throat extension can stretch up to two inches, according to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. This ability gives the worm the ability to forage for food or to hunt other marine organisms.
It is possible that its bristles, which exhibit a metallic gold glow, can be utilised for a variety of reasons, including swimming, defence, or creeping around the seafloor. Despite this, there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this deep-sea species. According to the World Register of Marine Species, scientists have not conducted comprehensive research on its biology or behaviour since it was originally discovered in 1939.
Multiplicity of the Deep Sea
There is a tremendous amount of variety within the category of polychaete worms, which this particular organism is a member of. A wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours may be seen in these worms, which can be found in settings ranging from shallow coral reefs to extreme hydrothermal vents. Although there are approximately 8,000 species of polychaete worms and 80 families of polychaete worms that are known to exist, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) reports that the true number of polychaete worms may be far greater.
Using DNA analysis, a study that was conducted in 2016 and published in Royal Society Open Science came to the conclusion that the number of marine worm species that have not yet been discovered could be twice as high as the estimations that are now in place. Despite the fact that they appear to be weird to human eyes, these organisms serve important roles in the ecosystems of the ocean and provide insights into the secrets of existence in extremely deep waters.
Specimen of the Viral
Eulagisca gigantea was the subject of a recent post on Facebook, which highlighted a specimen that was removed from the Antarctic Ocean at a depth ranging from 1,706 to 2,198 feet. Its protruding jaws and the golden tone of its bristles were captured in the image, which caused viewers to feel a mixture of excitement and dread over the creature.
Eulagisca gigantea is very important for understanding the biodiversity of the deep sea, despite the fact that its look resembles that of an alien. Such discoveries serve to remind us of the unique and fascinating life forms that are surviving far beneath the waves as researchers continue their exploration of the ocean’s depths.
