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| Hairy Gilled Worm |  |
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The hairy gilled worm, or Neoamphitrite robusta ("nee oh amph
ih TRY tee row BUST ah") grows to a
length of 150mm and width of 13mm. It can be identified in the field by
its color, a reddish pink, which distinguishes it from similar
species. The easiest method of positive identification is to look through
a strong magnifying glass at the small hook-like setae or hairs on the back
end of it's body. N. robusta has two closely spaced rows of setae
which look something like the teeth of a zipper! Appearance The hairy gilled worm grows to a length of 15cm and is quite wide at the front. It can be tentatively identified in the field by its reddish brown color, branching (red) gills and thick mud tube. However, there are several similar species. And we are not altogether sure about the image to the right. The most characteristic feature of this species and family relatives is the numerous long writhing tentacles. Can you guess why another name is the medusa worm?
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Drawing by Iris Churcher, Malaspina University-College
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This species has no eyes but it is closely related to species that do. It is probably light sensitive. The receptors for touch are located on the tentacles.
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