16/04/2026
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿—𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗰 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸. 🇵🇭
Lithoredo abatanica, locally known as antingaw, is the Philippine entry to the International Mollusc of the Year 2026. Discovered in the Abatan River in Bohol, it is the first known shipworm species that lives within and excavates limestone, unlike its relatives that typically feed on wood.
This unique adaptation is reflected in its shell structure. While most shipworms have sharp, fine denticles suited for boring into wood, L. abatanica has larger, blunt denticles that enable it to grind and pe*****te rock. However, a key scientific question remains: how does it obtain nutrients from an inorganic material such as limestone?
Researchers from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, supported by the Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines, are currently studying this species under the TAMMILOC Project. Early findings suggest that antingaw may rely on symbiotic microorganisms in its gills to process nutrients—an interaction that could provide insights into novel enzymes, biochemical processes, and potential therapeutic applications.
Beyond its biological uniqueness, antingaw highlights the importance of protecting ecosystems such as the Abatan River, which serve as natural laboratories for discovery and innovation.
As the Philippines’ representative to the International Mollusc of the Year 2026, antingaw stands as both a subject of scientific inquiry and a symbol of the country’s rich marine biodiversity.
Meet the Philippine entry for International Mollusc of the Year! 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢, also locally known as “antingaw” in Bohol, is the first known shipworm that lives within and eats through rock.
Unlike the rest of the shipworm family, 𝘓. 𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢 bores and burrows its way through limestone rather than wood. Its shell has uniquely evolved to cut through rock: while the teeth-like denticles of tamilok and ugaong are small and sharp, 𝘓. 𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢 instead has denticles that are large and blunt. The mechanism of how this odd animal gets nutrients from rock remains a mystery. Scientists believe that it may harbor symbiotic microorganisms in its gills that help break down its inorganic diet, and that further study of these digestive processes may lead to future biotechnology products. With support from the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines, the UP Marine Science Institute is currently investigating this species through the "Teredinids and Associated Microbes: A Multi-level Investigation of Lifestyles and Outstanding Compounds as Sources of Novel Therapeutics" or TAMMILOC Project.
✅ Vote for 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢! bit.ly/IMOY2026_AntingawPH
𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢 is found exclusively in the Abatan River of Bohol, which is honored in its species name. Like its fellow shipworms in other regions, It is also eaten as a local delicacy.
This quirky and promising clam is representing the Philippines against Italy, Australia, the United States, and Seychelles for International Mollusc of the Year 2026. The annual competition is hosted by Senckenberg, Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance - SOSA, and Unitas Malacologica.
Let's show our national pride and give antingaw our full support! Public voting starts today and ends on April 26.
For more information about International Mollusc of the Year, visit the official website: https://www.unitasmalacologica.org/mollusc-of-the-year-2026.html
Read the original 2019 paper on its discovery: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0434
Species Splash is an initiative of the UP Marine Science Institute that features the marine biodiversity being studied by our scientists. For interview requests and other media inquiries, please contact content(at)msi.upd.edu.ph.
