There are all kinds of amazing creatures under the sea. Scientists have discovered a strange new species of worm-like creatures that put on quite a colorful display when threatened. Scientists believe the worms, nicknamed “green bombers,” release fluid-filled balloons or spheres from their body as a defense mechanism to distract or confuse prey.
The spheres are filled with a fluid that glows a brilliant green for several seconds, then fades. Marine biologist Dr. Karen J. Osborn, who led the team of scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, discovered the worms drop one or two glowing bombs at a time and will keep releasing the bombs until they are no longer provoked. The worms are “armed” with eight bombs, and as each one is released, a new one grows in its place.
Seven unknown species were collected from the Pacific Ocean although only five of the species have bombing capabilities. The other species have gills in place of the bombs. Swima bombiviridis is the first of the species officially named. The green bombers have transparent bodies, except for their bellies, and long feathery-type bristles used for swimming and paddling. They measure from less than an inch to about four inches in length and live at depths of 5,900 to 12, 140 feet below the sea.
Visit National Geographic to view eight amazing photographs of the green bombers! The report, Deep-Sea, Swimming Worms with Luminescent “Bombs,” was published last week in the journal Science.
Photo of Clown Anemonefish in Sea anemone by Nick Hobgood via CC
