The gossamer worm: An effective and elegant swimmer

Unlike its bottom-dwelling kin, the gossamer worm (Tomopteris sp.) lives in constant motion. This ethereal worm is a graceful swimmer that “dances” through the midwater with the rhythmic paddling of its swimming legs. This summer, MBARI researchers collaborated with scientists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to reveal this worm’s swimming behavior in detail. Leveraging observations recorded in the depths of Monterey Bay by MBARI’s remotely operated vehicles and high-speed video and sophisticated laser illumination of specimens in the laboratory, the research team closely examined the mechanics of the gossamer worm’s swimming. They learned that a flexible body plan allows this worm to combine two different modes of propulsion to achieve effective—and elegant—swimming. This makes Tomopteris especially interesting for engineers. In the future, this worm could inspire new designs for everything from underwater propulsion to medical technology.