It has not been observed free-living, without the host urchin, says the research team.
Brachiomya ducentiunus was discovered while preparing and working on the 1001 Seaforest Species project, a research program aimed at increasing awareness of regional kelp bed ecosystems colloquially referred to as ‘the Great African Seaforest’.
Study lead author Dr. Valentich-Scott said: “This study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the biodiversity and ecological interactions of galeommatoidean bivalves.
“By uncovering the hidden lives of these small but ecologically important organisms, we hope to contribute to the broader knowledge of marine biodiversity and the conservation of these unique habitats.”
Co-author Professor Charles Griffiths, of the University of Cape Town, said: “A large proportion of smaller marine invertebrates remain undescribed in western South Africa and almost any project that samples specialized habitats turns up many new records and species.”
Co-author Jannes Landschoff, a marine biologist at the Sea Change Trust, said: “Creating foundational biodiversity knowledge is a most important step to the humbling realization of how fascinating and uniquely diverse a place is.”
He added: “I see this every day through our work in the rich coastal waters of Cape Town, where an extensive underwater kelp forest – the ‘Great African Seaforest’ – grows.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
