Peanut Worms: Sipuncula - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, No Common Name (sipunculus Nudus): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, PEANUT WORMS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS
mud live sand surrounding
Peanut worms are found in all of the oceans.
Peanut worms are found in both cold- and warm-water habitats, at all depths between the intertidal zone and 22,510 feet (6,860 meters). Some species live in burrows in sand or mud, while others live in rock crevices, empty seashells, or tubeworm tubes. Still others bore into rock or bone. Some species make their homes in mats of algae (AL-jee) or plantlike growths that live in water, in large sponges, or among the roots of sea grasses or mangrove trees.
Peanut worms living in sand and mud swallow surrounding sediment collected with their tentacles. Those living in rocks use their introvert hooks to scrape sand, mud, and small organisms from the surfaces of surrounding rocks.
Larger species of peanut worms are used by fishermen throughout the world as bait. In Java, the western Carolines, and parts of China, they are eaten by humans.
Peanut worms are not considered endangered or threatened.
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Peanut worms are sea creatures that have bilateral symmetry (bye-LAT-er-uhl SIH-muh-tree). This means that their soft bodies can be divided into similar halves. They are sausagelike and not segmented in any way. Their bodies are gray or brown and are sometimes marked with reddish purple or green. They measure up to 11.8 inches (300 millimeters) long. The front part of the body is called the introv…
Most peanut worms quickly withdraw their introverts when disturbed and avoid light by retreating into their burrows or rock crevices. They use their introvert hooks and muscles to pull their bodies forward. Swimming is not common and is accomplished by simply jerking the body trunk in all directions. Many peanut worms can replace missing tentacles and introverts. Some species can regenerate portio…
Sipunculus nudus is often used as a research animal. They are sold as fish bait in some parts of the world. (Illustration by Bruce Worden. Reproduced by permission.)
Physical characteristics: Sipunculus nudus measures 6 to 10 inches (150 to 250 millimeters) long. The introvert is short, only one-third the length of the trunk, and lacks hooks. There are 24 to 34 bands of long muscles visible…
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Peanut Worms: Sipuncula - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, No Common Name (sipunculus Nudus): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, PEANUT WORMS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS
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