By I. Inojales | 08:22 PM April 30, 2026
The Philippines’ antingaw (Lithoredo abatanica) has secured second place in the 2026 International Mollusc of the Year (IMOY) competition, earning global recognition for one of the country’s most unusual marine species.
Organizers announced that the rare shipworm garnered 5,097 votes, finishing as first runner-up behind the Mediterranean Vampire Snail (Cumia intertexta), which topped this year’s poll.
Marine scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) expressed gratitude to supporters who helped propel the antingaw onto the international stage. The institute said the annual competition has evolved into a platform celebrating mollusc diversity worldwide while raising awareness of lesser-known species.
The antingaw, discovered in Bohol’s Abatan River, has drawn scientific interest for its unusual behavior of boring into and consuming limestone rather than wood—a rare trait among shipworms. Researchers say this unique characteristic highlights the species’ ecological importance and the need to further study and protect marine biodiversity in the Philippines.
UP MSI noted that beyond the rankings, the strong showing of Lithoredo abatanica underscores growing public interest in marine science and conservation, particularly in spotlighting the “mysterious potential” of Philippine shipworms.
The IMOY competition is held annually to engage the public in learning about molluscs, from common species to those rarely seen, while promoting their conservation across different ecosystems.
