The ocean is home to some truly weird and wonderful creatures, but few are as terrifying (or as fascinating) as the bobbit worm. You'll find this nocturnal predator lurking beneath the sand, waiting to ambush any prey that drifts too close. Eager to learn more about these curious creatures? From their razor-sharp jaws to their venomous bristles and shimmering bodies, here are our top ten bobbit worm facts.
Name game
We're kicking off our list of bobbit worm facts with a technical one: the bobbit worm's scientific name is Eunice Aphroditois, and it belongs to the same category as earthworms and leeches. Don't let that fool you, however, as this is no harmless garden worm. It's also called a sand striker, which refers to its hunting technique. But more on that later…
Super-size
While most bobbit worms measure between three and six feet long, in some cases, they can grow up to a terrifying ten feet. That's about the same length as a fully grown male American alligator (gulp).
Intimidating appearance
Let's get one thing clear: the bobbit worm won't win any beauty contests. Although it has a long, segmented body similar to a centipede or worm, it looks far more intimidating. Unlike the friendly earthworms in your garden, this peculiar-looking creature is covered in sharp, venomous bristles that can cause irritation or numbness if touched. Its body also shimmers with an iridescent sheen, typically in shades of black or purple. On its head, it has five sensitive antennae to help it detect unsuspecting prey, which sit above its powerful, wide mouth.
Habitat
Bobbit worms love the sandy, muddy sediments on the ocean floor (muck diving, anyone?). They burrow deep down, usually in or around stony coral reefs, which create the perfect hideout for ambushing prey. They prefer warmer waters and can be found at depths of up to 95m.
Tropical hangouts
If you ever go diving in Australia, Bali, Fiji, Indonesia, or the Philippines, you might be sharing the water with one of these sneaky predators. They're found throughout the Indo-Pacific and blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Ignorance is bliss.
Venomous bristles
Despite their unsettling appearance, bobbit worms aren't known to attack humans. However, their venomous bristles can deliver a painful sting and, in some cases, can even cause nerve damage if you happen to come into contact with them. So, if you ever spot a bobbit worm while diving (see above for their favourite locations), it's best to admire it from a distance.
Omnivorous diet
As nocturnal hunters, bobbit worms love a midnight snack. They're omnivores, so they aren't fussy when it comes to eating plants and animals - they like both. Their primary diet consists of small fish, but they won't say no to a side of macroalgae and seaweed.
Hunting habits
As we've already learnt, bobbit worms rely on special antennae to detect passing prey before launching a lightning-fast ambush. With powerful jaws, they strike with enough force to snap their target in half. Their tooth-lined throats (which sound like something from a horror film) turn inside out to grab and engulf their prey. Once their catch is secured, they shoot back into their burrows to feast, much like we do with a takeaway delivery.
Regeneration
Bobbit worm facts don't get more intriguing than this next one. If a bobbit worm loses its head or tail, it's no problem, as it can regenerate missing body parts. Even more bizarrely, it can reproduce asexually, splitting into multiple segments that grow into new worms. This fascinating ability makes them incredibly resilient; if a predator manages to take a bite, the bobbit worm can still survive…
Long lifespans
The lifespan of a bobbit worm is still somewhat of a mystery. Most estimates suggest they live for three to five years, but some researchers believe they could live for decades or even over a century. We'd rather believe the former, thanks.
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