Conan O’Brien Worm: Not-So-Funny Threat to Spiny Lobsters and Fisheries

A nemertean worm, Carcinonemertes conanobrieni, discovered by a Clemson University biologist, is suspected to negatively impact the reproduction of Caribbean spiny lobsters, thereby contributing to their decreased numbers. The worm’s effect on the lobster’s reproductive cycle could have significant implications for the marine ecosystem and the lobster industry.