As biodiversity rapidly declines, our environment still seems to have a few surprises in store for us. Thus, an international team of researchers led by the University of Utah (USA) have found a specimen of a species not previously studied : a worm-like animal that lives in a gigantic black house made of mud or mud. This species of worm does not eat, but gets its energy from a form of sulfur.
Scientists have known about the existence of this creature for centuries. In fact, back in the 18th century it was described as an animal three to five feet long – 90-150 cm -, with tusk-shaped shells that surround it.
“ Shells are quite common but we have never had access to the animal that lives inside, ” explains Daniel Distel, leader of the work.
The animal’s preferred habitat was unclear, but thanks to serendipity – experts saw a video showing strange creatures planted, such as carrots, in the mud of a shallow lagoon – they set up an expedition and found live specimens of Kuphus polythalamia.
With a live giant worm in hand, the research team carefully washed the sticky mud that spread across the giant worm’s shell, revealing the creature that lived within.
“I was surprised when I first saw the sheer immensity of this strange animal. Being present at the first encounter of an animal like this is the closest I have ever come to being a 19th century naturalist,” says Margo Haygood, co-author. from work.
Because the animal had never been rigorously studied, little was known about its habitat or biology.
Why is this animal so unusual?
The answer can be found in the remote habitat in which it was found, a pond laden with rotting wood. Unlike other worms, Kuphus lives in mud; in a pretty stinky place. The organic mud around their habitat emits hydrogen sulfide, a gas derived from sulfur, which has a rotten egg-like odor. This environment so nauseating to humans is a feast for the giant worm.
And yet he does not eat, or if he does, he eats very little. Instead, the beneficial bacteria that live on their gills make food for them. As little cooks, these bacteria use hydrogen sulfide for energy to produce organic carbon that feeds the worm (in a process similar to photosynthesis in plants). As a result, many of Kuphus’s internal digestive organs have shrunk due to lack of use.
The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
