ZSI Discovers Two New Marine Worm Species Off West Bengal Coast

• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers found two new marine worm species off West Bengal's coast.
• The discovery highlights rich biodiversity even in human-impacted mudflats and docks, showing ecosystem resilience.
• The first worm, Namalycastis solenotognatha, has channeled jaws and thrives in sulfide-rich mudflats.
• The second, Nereis dhritiae, lives on submerged wooden dock pilings; both are polychaetes from the Nereididae family.
• These worms improve sediment aeration and nutrient cycling, benefiting marine life and indicating ecosystem health.