Swima

Swima is a genus of polychaete worm that lives in the deep ocean.[2] This deep ocean pelagic (free-swimming) annelid 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.[3] Animals of the genus Swima are closely related to the recently discovered genus Teuthidodrilus, another pelagic cirratuliform of the bathyal zone.[4]

Swima
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
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:[4]

  • 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)[5]

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.[4]

Etymology

The genus name, Swima, is derived from the Latin, referring to the animal's ability to swim.[3]

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. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. "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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