Species in Singapore

Straits Times 26 Jan 08;

Scientists estimate that millions of plant and animal species remain unknown, especially those in this region - with a vast number constantly being discovered. The National Parks Board and the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research reveal what they have uncovered here.

AN INCOMPLETE specimen of a Paraleonnates, a very large class of segmented worms whose segments have fleshy protrusions with bristles, was found on Pulau Tekong during a survey of Singapore's mangroves.

Its graphite black body and sheer size - 1cm in body width, which is about double the size of most members of its family - make it very distinctive in the family Nereididae.

When viewed under a microscope, it is almost alien- like, with red eyes, massive jaws and an armoured tubular sucking organ, or proboscis.

There are two known species in the genus Paraleonnates - the Paraleonnates uschakovi, which is endemic to the coast of China and the Paraleonnates bolus, which is found in Australia. But this particular specimen does not fit the description of either and could be a completely new species awaiting description.

Alternatively, because sexually mature nereids do develop changes to their looks, this may be the case for the specimen from Pulau Tekong.

The discovery of Paraleonnates represents a new record for the genus occurrence in Singapore waters.

Coupled with the finding of several other new records of worm species, these highlight the immense biodiversity that remains in Singapore despite our urbanisation.

PROJECT OFFICER WILSON CHAN, BIODIVERSITY CENTRE, NPARKS