Scientists Discover First Live Giant Shipworm in Philippine Waters

Scientists discover the first ever giant shipworm known scientifically as Kuphus polythalamia in Philippine waters. The discovery of the live giant mollusk happened after the footage of a Philippine documentary reached the researchers from the United States.

A Quest Put to an End

The habitat of the world’s giant shipworms is no longer a mystery. For hundreds of years, only the shells they leave behind served as this mollusks proof of existence. Incidentally today, scientists have discovered the three-feet long living creature in a local lagoon here in the Philippines.

The research team lead by Northeastern University’s Daniel Dister discovered the giant slimy animal after tapping it out from its tusk-like shell. The giant shipworm lives in a mud in a shallow lagoon in the Philippines and relies on bacteria in its gills to make its foods. They found out that the living animal creature gets its energy in the form of sulfur in mud.

Shipworms of this type aren’t technically worms but are bivalves. But scientists named them shipworms having been known to eating their way into the sides of wooden boats. And during the 17th century, they have been known to be partly responsible for the sinking of ships.

A Discovery that Delights Scientists

Scientists are happy about the discovery, for some reasons. Dan Distel told The Guardian,  “To me it was almost like finding a dinosaur – something that was pretty much only known by fossils,” when asked about the said recent discovery.

Margo Haygood, a research professor in medicinal chemistry at University of Utah described the discovery as “It’s really dramatic; dramatic is what it is.” “What a huge thrill,” Haygood claimed. “I mark that as one of the high points of my career.”

The exact location where they found the mysterious creature remains unnamed over fears that the public will mob the area. Presently, scientists had carefully dissected one shipworm to further reveal the secrets of such mysterious creature.

Watch the short documentation below.