This unusual eight-inch long sea worm looks like something out of a nightmare – a luxurious nightmare for that matter.
In the vast southern seas near Antarctica, there is a giant polymorphic worm that has a truly peculiar appearance. Eulagisca gigantea ‘s two most striking features are its golden-furred abdomen and the disturbing grin on its head, making it look like the scariest luxury item ever.
As strange as it may seem, research shows it could be vital to the health of our ecosystems.
The Latin name for bristleworms (polychaetes) means “many small hairs”. And those hairs sparkled.
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, these guys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from round, candy-sized worms to ones more than two meters long – coming in all colors and in a variety of habitats. together.
It remains unclear whether Eulagisca gigantea uses its attractive plumage as a means of transportation on the ocean floor or as a means of defense. This species was discovered in 1939, but we still don’t know much about its biology or diet – however, the size of its jaw suggests it was a predator that ate other animals. But its sharp teeth may indicate it was also a scavenger.
And if that’s not enough: the head-like body part is actually a retractable throat, which extends outward about 2 inches when the worm feeds.
