New Deep-Sea Worm Species Discovered Off Costa Rica

The discovery of Pectinereis strickrotti highlights the rich biodiversity of deep-sea ecosystems and the importance of ongoing exploration.

Marine biologists have discovered a new species of deep-sea worm, Pectinereis strickrotti, living near methane seeps off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
The worm is notable for its elongated body flanked by feathery, gill-tipped appendages called parapodia, and it lives at depths of around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
Pectinereis strickrotti is unusual among its ragworm kin for living in deep-sea environments, having gills on its parapodia, and being blind due to the total darkness of its habitat.
The discovery underscores the vast biodiversity of deep-sea ecosystems and highlights the need for continued exploration and protection of these environments.
Researchers used the Alvin submersible for the worm's discovery, marking the 48th new species found around Costa Rican methane seeps since 2009.