Scientists have discovered a new species of rosy-colored deep-sea worm 30 miles (50 kilometers) off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
The worm, named Pectinereis strickrotti, is a type of ragworm, or Nereididae.
It was first spotted by researchers in 2009, as they explored a methane seep found at a depth of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) while onboard a deep-sea submersible called Alvin.
P. strickrotti has a segmented, elongated body which is around 4 inches (10 centimeters) long.
Like other ragworms, it looks like a cross between a centipede and an earthworm.
On each side of its body, it has a row of feather-like outgrowths called parapodia, tipped with gills that allow it to absorb oxygen from water.
The worms also have a hidden collection of "pincer-shaped" jaws that can be thrust out when they need to catch prey to eat.
Source
The worm, named Pectinereis strickrotti, is a type of ragworm, or Nereididae.
It was first spotted by researchers in 2009, as they explored a methane seep found at a depth of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) while onboard a deep-sea submersible called Alvin.
P. strickrotti has a segmented, elongated body which is around 4 inches (10 centimeters) long.
Like other ragworms, it looks like a cross between a centipede and an earthworm.
On each side of its body, it has a row of feather-like outgrowths called parapodia, tipped with gills that allow it to absorb oxygen from water.
The worms also have a hidden collection of "pincer-shaped" jaws that can be thrust out when they need to catch prey to eat.
Source