Osedax is a genus of siboglinid polychaetes, commonly called snot worms or bone-eating worms. Osedax is Latin for 'bone devourer' [1], derived from the worms' unique ecological niche of bone-boring.

Meet the bone-eating worm Scientists working at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in 2004 discovered two new species of unique tube worms that feed on the bones of dead …

Zombie worms (Osedax roseus) eat away at the bones of a dead whale that has fallen to the seafloor. (Yoshihiro Fujiwara/JAMSTEC) Zombie worms don’t crave brains: instead they seek bones.

In 2002, MBARI scientists first observed two very odd species of worms living on the bones of a gray whale. Their trunks and brilliant red plumes produced a flowing "shag" carpet that covered many of …

Osedax is a genus of polychaete worms that live and feed on bones, including those of marine animals such as baleen whales, turtles, and fish. These worms dissolve bone through acid secretion, utilizing …

Jul 30, 2004 · We describe a new genus, Osedax, and two new species of annelids with females that consume the bones of dead whales via ramifying roots. Molecular and morphological evidence …

Mar 20, 2025 · Osedax are worms known for eating the bones of dead marine animals, such as whales or reptiles. They do not eat the whole bone, but by burrowing into it, they can break down the organic …

Jun 18, 2025 · First discovered in 2002 on a gray whale carcass nearly 10,000 feet deep, Osedax worms are specialists in decomposition. Commonly known as bone-eating or zombie worms, they …

Jul 25, 2025 · Welcome to OSEDAX, your trusted source for insightful news and captivating animal stories. At OSEDAX, we believe in the power of information — whether it’s breaking global headlines …

Osedax are gutless siboglinid worms that thrive on vertebrate bones lying on the ocean floor, mainly those of whales. The posterior body of female Osedax penetrates into the bone forming extensions …