Marine Wildlife Encyclopedia
Priapula Worm Priapulus caudatus
The stout, cylindrical body of this animal is divided into a short barrel-shaped proboscis at the head end, a longer trunk region, and a tail that consists of small bladders attached to a hollow stalk. The proboscis can be withdrawn into the trunk. The mouth on the end of the proboscis is edged with spines, which help the animal to seize other small marine worms for food.
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- Phylum Priapulida
- Length Up to 4 in (10 cm)
- Depth Not recorded
- Habitat Buried in sediment
- Distribution Cold waters of north Atlantic and Arctic Ocean
