An authoritative classification and catalogue of marine names
WoRMS is continuously updating and strives to reflect current published scientific knowledge, without making
new taxonomic decisions. The Data Management Team welcomes any feedback and suggestions for improvement.
See more details and citation guidelines.
News
Philippe Bouchet selected as the Carlo Heip Awardee for 2023-2025
Added on: 2026-04-21 11:56:06 by Vandepitte, Leen
The International Carlo Heip Award (cycle 2023-2025) granted to Prof. Philippe Bouchet: passionate taxonomist, explorer, researcher, taxonomic Mollusca editor, founding father of MolluscaBase and overall WoRMS enthusiast! ...
Applications for the Ocean Census Species Discovery Awards 2026 are open
Added on: 2026-04-09 10:29:13 by Dekeyzer, Stefanie
The Ocean Census Species Discovery Awards support outstanding taxonomists, biodiversity and community scientists involved in marine species discovery. ...
New Amphipod species from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, named in honour of WoRMS
Added on: 2026-03-24 10:15:55 by Vandepitte, Leen
The deep-sea still harbours many undiscovered, undescribed treasures. Thanks to the “One Thousand Reasons” campaign of ISA-SSKI, we are again a very small step closer to knowing what lives in our ocean. And some of these new discoveries immediately find their way to the hearts of the WoRMS Data Management Team. ...
WoRMS press release: Ten remarkable new marine species from 2025
Added on: 2026-03-18 13:47:16 by Dekeyzer, Stefanie
As for previous years, the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) has again released its annual list of the top-ten marine species described by researchers during the past year to coincide with World Taxonomist Appreciation Day on March 19th! ...
2nd Talitraits workshop: at the land-water interface
Added on: 2026-01-21 15:00:01 by Dekeyzer, Stefanie
On September 5 and 6, 2025, the group of Talitraits editors met to include new thematic experts, refresh the workflow for the inclusion of trait information aligned with the WoRMS taxonomic backbone, and define new goals for the mid- and long-term. ...
In memoriam: Michael H. Thurston (1937-2025)
Added on: 2026-01-05 17:12:21 by Vandepitte, Leen
The last day of 2025 was a dark and sad day for the Amphipoda community. Another one of their giants – Michael (Mike) Thurston - passed away: a deep-sea biologist, taxonomist, mentor and friend to many. ...[Add] [Older news... ]
Currently in WoRMS
Accepted marine species
249 956 (98% checked)
Marine species names, including synonyms
522 036
Species with image
54 524 (81% checked)
