Bohol’s ‘antingaw’ vies in international mollusk contest

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April 16, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Bohol’s rock-eating shipworm antingaw or Lithoredo abatanica is the country’s entry in the International Mollusk of the Year 2026, according to the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute.

The UPMSI said the quirky and promising clam is competing against entries from Australia, Italy, Seychelles and the United States.

The competition, which will cite five remarkable mollusks each year, will be hosted by the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance and Unitas Malacologica.

The Lithoredo abatanica is the first known shipworm that thrives in and eats through rocks, the UPMSI said.

The species is found exclusively in the Abatan River, from which it was named after.

Like other shipworms found in other regions, the antingaw is edible and considered as a local delicacy.

Unlike the rest of the shipworm family, the Lithoredo abatanica bores and burrows its way through limestone rather than wood. Its shell has uniquely evolved to be able to cut through rocks.

While the teeth-like denticles of other shipworms such as tamilok and ugaong are small and sharp, the antingaw’s tooth-like projections are large and blunt.

“The mechanism of how this odd animal gets nutrients from rock remains a mystery. Scientists believe that it may be harboring symbiotic microorganisms in its gills that help break down its inorganic diet. Further study of its digestive processes may lead to future biotechnology products,” the UPMSI said.

It said that it is studying the species, with the support of the Department of Science and Technology’s National Research Council of the Philippines.

“Let’s show our national pride and give antingaw our full support. Public voting starts today until April 26,” the UPMSI said.