New Genus of Deep-Sea 'Spaghetti Worms' Discovered Near Australia

Scientists have established a new genus of deep-sea marine worms named Terebellosuctoria, identified by unique suction-cup structures on their bodies. The discovery followed the analysis of over 850 specimens collected during 2021 and 2022 research voyages led by Museums Victoria near Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Published in the Records of the Australian Museum, the study describes seven new species, including two within the new genus. The worms, which build tubes in soft sediment and use tentacles to gather food, highlight the vast, undiscovered biodiversity within Australia’s deep-sea seamounts. Researchers named one species, Terebellosuctoria jimii, after colleague Dr. Naoto Jimi.

Editor's note: The brief accurately reports the new genus discovery and the context of the research voyages.