South African Scientists Discover New Genus and Species of Parasitic Sea Snail

Scientists from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa have discovered a new genus and a corresponding species of parasitic sea snail during research on the Great African Seaforest—a vast underwater ecosystem of giant kelp along the South African coast. This was announced in a press release from the university.

The mollusk was first discovered back in 2015 during a study of brittle stars, echinoderm animals related to sea stars. At that time, Dr. Jannes Landschoff and his student Rebecca McKinnon noticed small, round balls inside the bodies of the brittle stars, which were later identified as parasitic snails belonging to the family Eulimidae.

However, the scientists were unable to precisely determine the animal's genus and species, prompting them to send the mollusk samples to researchers at the University of Tokyo who specialize in this group. The classification of the sea snails was completed only in 2026. The mollusks were named Introphiuricola rebeccae in honor of student McKinnon, who discovered the new species.

The University of Cape Town also noted that no species of parasitic snails living on the bodies of sea stars and other echinoderms had been recorded before, suggesting that research on similar mollusks is likely to continue.

The Great African Seaforest is a submerged ecosystem of giant brown algae (kelp) located along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. It is home to approximately 14,000 animal species, including sharks, seals, and unique invertebrates. The Great African Seaforest also plays a crucial ecological role, as the algae absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

In March 2025, scientists discovered a new species of shark off the coast of Tanzania, further highlighting the region's rich and still-underexplored biodiversity.