Zoological Survey of India Discovers Two New Marine Worm Species

• 06 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with international researchers, have discovered two new species of marine worms from the nereidid (polychaete) family along the West Bengal coast. 

Key Points: 

• Location: The species were identified in the coastal waters of Digha and Bankiput in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. 
• Taxonomy: Nereididae are a family of marine polychaete worms, commonly known as ragworms or clam worms. 
• The Two New Species: Segmented worms are recognised by their long, slender bodies, distinct head with eyes and tentacles, and parapodia 
  • Namalycastis solenotognatha: 
    • Etymology: Named from the Greek words solenotos (channelled) and gnatha (jaw) due to unique canals in its jaw structure. 
    • Habitat: Found in extreme, sulfide-rich, and organically enriched mudflats, often associated with decomposing mangrove wood. 
  • Nereis dhritiae: 
    • Etymology: Named in honour of Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman Director of the ZSI. 
• Habitat: Typically dwells within wooden dock piles on sandy beaches that are submerged during high tide.  
• Resilience: A significant finding is that these worms thrive in highly polluted and human-impacted habitats, making them potential bioindicators for monitoring coastal health.  
• Ecological Significance:Nereidid worms are vital "bio-warriors" for coastal ecosystems as they aid in nutrient cycling and sediment aeration.  
  • This discovery, recently published in the journal Zootaxa, underscores the hidden biodiversity of the northern Bay of Bengal despite heavy anthropogenic pressure. 

Read More: Zoological Survey of India