What is the scientific name of Osedax?

What is the scientific name of Osedax?

Osedax is a genus of deep-sea siboglinid polychaetes, commonly called boneworms, zombie worms, or bone-eating worms. Osedax is Latin for “bone-eating”.

How many species of Osedax worms are there?

Bone-eating Osedax worms have proved to be surprisingly diverse and widespread. Including the initial description of this genus in 2004, five species that live at depths between 25 and 3,000 m in the eastern and western Pacific and in the north Atlantic have been named to date.

Can multiple species of Osedax live in the same bone?

It is possible that multiple species of Osedax reside in the same bone. Osedax worms are also known to feed on the collagen itself by making holes in the whale’s skeletal structure. These holes can also serve as a form of protection from nearby predators.

What is the function of the Osedax sheath?

Osedax roots are covered by a mucus sheath that helps protect the worm’s trunk. Some studies support the theory that this sheath plays a role in dissolving the bone. This sheath could also play an important role in reducing the damage to Osedax skin by absorbing harmful acid.

How big do Osedax worms get?

The 1 to 3 inch (2 to 7 centimeter) Osedax worms were first discovered living in the bones of a rotting gray whale on the deep sea floor, nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) deep, in 2002. Since then, more Osedax species have been discovered: there are 26 according to the World Register of Marine Species .

Did Osedax play a role in the degradation of marine vertebrates?

The true role of Osedax in the degradation of marine vertebrate remains is important to marine vertebrate taphonomy. Burrows closely similar to those made by Osedax species have been found in the bones of ancient marine birds and plesiosaurs, suggesting that the genus may once have had a wider range of foods.