Hemichordates: Hemichordata - Hawaiian Acorn Worm (ptychodera Flava): Species Accounts

Physical characteristics: Hawaiian acorn worms are yellowish brown and have a small cone-shaped snout, short collar, and long trunk.

Geographic range: Hawaiian acorn worms live in the Pacific Ocean near Japan, Australia, Hawaii, and the Galápagos Islands and in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius and Maldives.

Habitat: Hawaiian acorn worms live in the sea near coastlines.

Diet: Hawaiian acorn worms eat nutrient particles.

Behavior and reproduction: Female Hawaiian acorn worms release mucus-covered eggs into the water, and the males respond by releasing sperm. Fertilization takes place in the water. The eggs hatch into larvae in about two days.

Hawaiian acorn worms live in the sea near coastlines. (Illustration by John Megahan. Reproduced by permission.)

Hawaiian acorn worms and people: Hawaiian acorn worms have no known importance to people.

Conservation status: Hawaiian acorn worms are not considered threatened or endangered. ∎