Tiny Seahorse Unveils Hidden Worm Species
Researchers at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, have rediscovered a long-lost species of polychaete worm, Haplosyllis anthogorgicola, while studying pygmy seahorses. These tiny, translucent worms live in coral burrows and were last recorded in 1956. The discovery highlights the complex symbiotic relationships between the worms, seahorses, and corals, and suggests that the worms may clean the coral by consuming leftover food. The study underscores the importance of examining species interactions within their ecosystems and the potential for citizen science platforms like iNaturalist to aid in such discoveries.