Sam Andrews @oceanoculus.com · Jul 14 The survival of some species is entirely dependent on another. Meet Acanthobothrium goleketen, a parasitic flatworm known only from a single, critically endangered species of guitarfish. Image credit: Manuel Irigoitia (Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata)
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Acanthobothrium goleketen is one of the @marinespecies.bsky.social ten remarkable new marine species from 2025, as voted for by taxonomists.
Acanthobothrium goleketen’s name translates to “good luck” in the Tehuelche language. Endemic to Patagonia, this language is itself under threat.
This worm lives attached to its host, relying on it entirely for survival. Which means its fate is tied directly to that of the fish. If the host disappears, so does the parasite.