[3] S. bombiviridis belongs to a clade that is morphologically distinct from other swimming acrocirrids by their transparent bodies, and single medial subulate branchiae.

[5] The acrocirridae are closely related to the flabelligeridae, a sister groups of worms[6][7] While species of Swima live in the ocean sediment, others remain suspended up to 444 meters above the sea floor.

[8] S. Bombiviridis is further characterized by a gelatinous sheath and elliptical branchiae that it uses to drop 1mm long bioluminescent ‘bombs’ that luminesce for several seconds.

[5][8] They can grow over 30mm in length and 5 mm in width, making them relatively large in comparison to other worms of the acrocirrid family.

[5] The worms are not uncommon; they travel in groups by the hundreds, however, the remoteness of their habitat renders them incredibly challenging to investigate.

[8] Although it has not been confirmed, S. bombiviridis employs this ability as a mechanism of distraction, parallel to squid that release bioluminescent liquid to escape their predators.