Bootlace Worm Lineus longissimus
The bootlace worm makes up for its rather drab brown color by its incredible length. Only a fraction of an inch in diameter, it reaches at least 33 ft (10 m) in length, and is one of the longest animals known. On the shore it appears as a writhing mass of knots lying on muddy sediment beneath boulders. Like all anoplan worms, it has its mouth behind the brain. The bootlace worm is difficult to pick up, because it exudes large amounts of mucus when handled.
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- Class Anopla
- Length Up to 33 ft (10 m)
- Depth Not recorded
- Habitat Sediments and stones
- Distribution Temperate waters of northeast Atlantic