Species in Singapore: first record of Pink Burmese Worm

The National Parks Board (NParks) and Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research unveil previously unknown plant and animal species they have uncovered here:

THE Pink Burmese Worm (Ceratonereis burmensis) is perhaps the most common worm that one may encounter along our sediment shores and mangroves.

Yet Ceratonereis burmensis was not recorded by early workers here and its discovery by the Natural Areas Survey Team (NParks) early last year represents a new record of this species for Singapore.

The pink forms of the worm are in fact sexually immature individuals. In the sexual phase, worms develop enlarged eyes, paddle-like bristles in the lower portions of the body and flattened feet that enable them to swim during mass spawning events.

Worms that develop into males turn yellow and females change into a beautiful emerald green. Eggs and sperm are stored in the body cavities and feet.

TEXT BY WILSON CHAN, NPARKS BIODIVERSITY CENTRE