The worms have an odd body shape, a pinkish-yellow color

Jun 29, 2013 17:21 GMT  ·  By

A new species of spoon worms has recently been documented by scientists investigating biodiversity in and close to Japan's Seto Inland Sea.

The new species, pictured above, has a fairly odd body shape. Thus, these worms sport a spoon-like projection that is attached to their surprisingly plump trunk, Science Daily reports.

The spoon-like projection, also known as the proboscis, reportedly helps them collect organic particles in their proximity. The worms also use it to collect non-organic fragments.

These peculiar creatures can grow to measure up to 10 centimeters (almost 4 inches) in length, and have a pinkish-yellow color.

Like all other spoon worms, this newly discovered species only lives in marine environments. It mainly inhabits shallow waters, specialists say.

The new species, named Arhynchite hayaoi, is thoroughly described in an article published in the journal Zookeys.