Pectinereis strickrotti is a recently described nereidid polychaete worm found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, found at methane seeps off the coast of Costa Rica. Specimens of Pectinereis strickrotti had been observed dating back to 2009 swimming just above the seafloor at ~1,000 m depth but were not successfully captured until 2018.
This species is known for its distinctive, fan-like parapodia, which are used for both locomotion, as swimming, and respiration. This polychaete worm inhabits sandy or muddy substrates, where it burrows and forms a protective tube. Its feeding strategy is largely suspension-based, capturing plankton and organic material from the water column using its elaborately branched tentacles. The species plays an important ecological role by contributing to the sediment's bioturbation, enhancing nutrient cycling in its habitat. As a bioindicator, P. strickrotti's presence and health can reflect changes in the quality of coastal ecosystems, especially regarding pollution levels and environmental disturbances.
Gifs extracted from video: Tulio F. Villalobos-Guerrero,
Reference (Open Access): Villalobos-Guerrero et al., 2024. A remarkable new deep-sea nereidid (Annelida: Nereididae) with gills. PlosONE