Ramisyllis kingghidorahi is almost as impressive as its namesake.
What does a tiny sea worm have in common with a three-headed, electricity-spewing dragon?
The researchers spotted Ramisyllis kingghidorahi off the coast of Japan’s Sado Island in 2019. It’s the third known species of branching worm that reminded the scientists of one of Japan’s most famous kaiju (fictional giant monsters).
Archive Photos/Moviepix/Getty Images
Introduced in the 1964 film Ghidorah, King Ghidorah is considered Godzilla’s greatest nemesis. Ramisyllis kingghidorahi isn’t as intimidating, but it does share one incredible ability with its namesake.
Branching worms live in natural canals of sea sponges. Researchers think their peculiar bodies may have evolved to let them expand through their habitat by forming new branches.
To reproduce, branching worms form units called stolons, which detach from the parent body and swim freely. Multiple stolons can form simultaneously on the worm’s many branches.
Scientists observed Ramisyllis kingghidorahi stolons performing an aggressive shaking dance, which they believe helps spread the worm’s reproductive cells.
Majd Forrest/Moment/Getty Images
The sponges that host branching worms, fortunately, aren’t conscious, but scientists aren’t sure whether they get some benefit from their uninvited guests.
Other aspects of branching worms’ lives are even more mysterious. For example, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi is seen here digesting food, but scientists don’t know how they feed themselves and eat enough to keep their gigantic bodies nourished.