Fancy Bristle Worm... but what species??

[Rick Murchison]

This one was taken by boljakool & posted over in the Philippine Paradise Divers photo thread...

about 3 inches long, looks like and crawls like a caterpillar.

Leslie... Help!

Rick

 

[LeslieH]

Hi Rick -- It's a fireworm, family Amphinomidae, genus Chloeia. I haven't been able to determine if the species has already been described or not. That characteristic pigment pattern on the back probably fades away once the animal is dead. Without the pattern it's nearly impossible to match a picture to a species description as most of the characters needed for id are microscopic.

 

[boljakool]

hmmm...maybe i should try to learn more and describe it... and have it named?

 

[Rick Murchison]

hmmm...maybe i should try to learn more and describe it... and have it named?

It sure looks like it
Here's one that seems close in appearance... but you could well have your very own species here!
Rick

 

[boljakool]

They look the same to me, uncle Rick. And it's not yet named? Thanks.

 

[LeslieH]

Nearly all marine animals have been described from dead, colorless animals. Until I can examine a specimen I don't know if it's already described but the color pattern is unknown or if the animal really is undescribed.

Incidentally, describers don't name species after themselves. They can give a descriptive name (like "maculata", latin for spotted), geographically ("californica" for something caught off California) or an honorific ("jonesi" in honor of friend Jones).

 

[Rick Murchison]

...Incidentally, describers don't name species after themselves...

A bit of Linnaeus' legacy, eh? But it's perfectly acceptable to name it afer your Aunt Betty
Rick