Swima

Swima is a genus of marine polychaete worms found in the ocean at depths between 1,800 and 3,700 meters (5,900 and 12,140 feet).[2][3] Even if they are agile swimmers, they are often seen hanging immobile in the water column as they are neutrally buoyant.[4] This deep ocean pelagic (free-swimming) genus has modified bioluminescent gills that can be cast off from an individual. These discarded gills somewhat resemble green "bombs" that remain illuminated for several seconds after they have been discarded. It is thought that this is a defensive mechanism rather than reproductive, as it is seen in both mature and juvenile individuals.[5] And because they are eyeless, communicating with light would be difficult.[6] Swima worms are closely related to the recently discovered genus Teuthidodrilus, another pelagic cirratuliform of the bathyal zone.[7]

Swima
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Subclass: Sedentaria
Order: Terebellida
Family: Acrocirridae
Genus: Swima
Osborn, Haddock, Pleijel, Madin & Rouse, 2009 [1]

Discovery

The first specimens of the genus Swima were discovered in the deep trenches of Monterey Bay, off the coast of California.

Taxonomy

There are currently three species recognised within the Swima:[7]

  • S. bombiviridis Osborn, Haddock, Pleijel, Madin & Rouse, 2009 (Green Bomber Worm or Bombardier Worm), Monterey Bay, California (type species)
  • Swima fulgida Osborn, Haddock & Rouse, 2011 (Shining Bomber)
  • Swima tawitawiensis Osborn, Haddock & Rouse, 2011 (Tawi-Tawi Bomber)[8]

Anatomy and physiology

Animals of the Swima are characterized by a thick gelatinous sheath, transparent body, simple nuchal organs, a single medial subulate branchia, and four pair of small segmental branchiae modified as elliptical, bioluminescent sacs.[7]

Etymology

The genus name, Swima, is derived from the Latin, referring to the animal's ability to swim.[5]

References
  1. Osborn KJ, Haddock SHD, Pleijel F, Madin LP, Rouse GW (2009). "Deep-sea, swimming worms with luminescent "bombs"". Science. 325 (5943): 964. doi:10.1126/science.1172488. PMID 19696343. S2CID 206519310.
  2. Moskowitz C (2009). "Sea creature releases glowing decoy 'bombs'". LiveScience. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
  3. Bioluminescent 'Green Bombers' from the Deep Sea Discovered
  4. Swima (Annelida, Acrocirridae), holopelagic worms from the deep Pacific
  5. International Institute for Species Exploration (2010). "Bombardier Worm". Top 10 New Species – 2010. Tempe, Arizona: Arizona State University. Archived from the original on 2010-12-28.
  6. New Find in the Pacific: Worms With Glow Sticks
  7. Osborn KJ, Rouse GW (2010). "Phylogenetics of Acrocirridae and Flabelligeridae" (PDF). Zoologica Scripta. 40 (2): 204–219. doi:10.1111/j.1463-6409.2010.00460.x. S2CID 82620619.
  8. "Swima tawitawiensis Osborn, Haddock & Rouse, 2011". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 6 February 2012.)
  • Data related to Swima at Wikispecies


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