Legendary giant shipworm discovered in the Philippines for the first time

The centuries-old legend of the giant shipworm has finally been debunked by scientists. The international team of researchers investigated the first living giant shipworm – the longest bivalve mollusc in the world, reaching up to 5 feet (1.52 meters) in length – in the Philippines.

A team of international researchers got up close and personal with the elusive, sulfur-feasting creature for the first time, throwing some light on the mysterious Kuphus polythalamia species. The bizarre-looking animal, encased in a tusk-like shell, may be the stuff of nightmares for many, but its discovery offers scientists a unique opportunity to unravel the secrets of the rare specimen. READ MORE