Scientists announced on May 3 that they have partnered with internet users to name a newly discovered marine mollusk found in one of the deepest known wood fall habitats off the coast of Japan. The species, now called Ferreiraella populi, was revealed through the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance Instagram account (@oceanspecies).
The collaboration highlights efforts to engage the public in scientific discovery and raise awareness about deep-sea biodiversity. Scientists selected the species’ second name, “populi,” from over 8,000 suggestions submitted online. The genus name, Ferreiraella, follows standard naming conventions.
Julia Sigwart, a member of the team that discovered the pale chiton, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response and the massive number of creative name suggestions!” The chosen name means “of the people,” reflecting contributions from eleven different individuals. According to an Instagram caption from SOSA, other submissions included names like Chiton McChitonface.
The new species features eight shell plates adapted for gripping wood and colorful teeth. It was found approximately 18,100 feet underwater on a sunken log. SOSA used an expedited process to move from discovery in 2024 to official naming in 2026.
Sigwart said this process can often take ten years or more and noted that including internet users aimed to keep public interest alive while encouraging citizen science participation. Ferreiraella populi is one of three new creatures described in a study published in Biodiversity Data Journal. Scientists hope these efforts will generate support for costly but important deep-sea expeditions.
SOSA wrote: “Taxonomy has never been this fun.” The involvement of citizen scientists demonstrates how digital platforms can broaden participation in conservation work.
