A new genus and species,Cryptochaetosyllis imitatio (Japanese: Keshoushirisu), discovered and described by Lecturer Naoto Jimi of the Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, has been selected for the "Ten remarkable new marine species from 2024" by WoRMS (World Register of Marine Species), an internationally recognized marine biodiversity database.
Each year, WoRMS selects particularly notable and unique marine organisms from among the many newly described species worldwide and brings them to international attention. While 2024 saw the announcement of numerous new species,C. imitatiowas recognized for its especially remarkable characteristics in both appearance and ecology.
C. imitatio, despite belonging to the polychaetes, has a vivid appearance with a close resemblance to the toxic nudibranch, making it an exceptionally rare and striking organism. This marks the first confirmed case in the world of a polychaete mimicking a nudibranch, making it an ecologically significant discovery.
This article was originally published in Japanese and has been translated and edited for clarity and readability by the Nagoya University International Communications Office while preserving the original content's intent. The original Japanese version is available here.