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First assessment of ribbon worm diversity and distribution in Oman reveals over 100 species

A survey of Oman's marine waters has revealed over 100 species of ribbon worms (Nemertea), marking the first systematic study of these marine predators in Arabian waters.

The research, appearing in PeerJ and conducted by scientists from the University of Oregon, Moscow State University, and the University of Florida, significantly expands our knowledge of marine biodiversity in the region.

Using a combination of morphological studies and DNA barcoding, the researchers identified 107 ribbon worm species, 98% of which are undescribed.

The research team found that 93% of the discovered species appear unique to Arabian waters. The study effectively doubles the number of genetically characterized ribbon worm species known in the entire Indo-West Pacific—the largest marine biogeographic region on Earth.

"This highlights how much we still have to learn about marine biodiversity in this region, and the tropics, more generally," says lead researcher Dr. Svetlana Maslakova from the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. The research revealed little species overlap between the Gulf of Oman and the Sea of Arabia.

These findings provide valuable insights into the region's marine biogeography and could inform future conservation efforts. The study's findings also have potential implications for biomedical research, as ribbon worms are known to produce various bioactive compounds.

The team's analysis suggests that Oman's marine ecosystems may harbor approximately 200 additional undiscovered nemertean species, particularly in unexplored soft-bottom habitats and the water column. This estimate emphasizes the importance of continued biodiversity research in the world's oceans.

The study represents a collaboration between scientists from the University of Oregon's Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, Moscow State University, and the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida.