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Fairy Lantern Worm. PHOTO/ IFL
TAIPE – A group of researchers in the Philippines announced the rediscovery of the “Fairy Lantern”, a species of bioluminescent marine worm that had been thought extinct for 30 years. This species is found in the waters around Camiguin Island, Philippines.
As reported by IFL Science, Tuesday (2/1/2024), the Fairy Lantern, also known as the “Glowing Sea Worm”, is a small creature that is only about 10 centimeters long. They have transparent bodies and produce a blue-green light that can be seen at night.
This species was first discovered in 1986, but was not seen again after that. In 2023, researchers from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños rediscovered this species during a survey of the waters around Camiguin Island.
This rediscovery is good news for scientists, because it shows that this species still survives in the wild. Researchers believe that Fairy Lanterns may have survived for years in deeper waters, where they are harder to find.
Fairy Lanterns are an important part of the marine ecosystem. They are a food source for several marine animals, including fish and crabs. They also help spread light in dark waters.
The rediscovery of the Fairy Lantern is a reminder that even species thought to be extinct may still be rediscovered. This shows the importance of environmental conservation, because we never know what we might lose.
(wbs)