Bobbit worm (Eunice aphroditois)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Eunice aphroditois
- Common name
- Bobbit worm
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Eunicidae
- Genus
- Eunice
- Size
- 100–300 cm
- Depth
- 1–95 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator, cryptic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Eunice aphroditois reaches 3 m long, one of largest polychaete worms worldwide. Giant predator worm Indo-Pacific with iridescent segmented body (metallic green-purple) with 5 sensory antennae around Damocles lightning scissor mandibles. Lives buried in sand leaving jaws emerging for nocturnal lightning ambush on fish passing within reach (prey sometimes sectioned in two). Named after famous Newcastle aquarium incident where a specimen decimated fish in few days. Iconic photo subject of muck dives, dangerous for fingers.
Photo of Bobbit worm
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Bobbit worm?
- Bobbit worm (Eunice aphroditois) reaches 100–300 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Bobbit worm?
- Bobbit worm is found between 1–95 m deep.
- Is the Bobbit worm dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Bobbit worm?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Bobbit worm?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Spirobranchus triqueter - European fanworm
- Sabella spallanzanii - Mediterranean fanworm
- Bispira volutacornis - Twin fanworm
- Hermodice carunculata - Bearded fireworm
- Filograna implexa - Filigree tubeworm
- Protula tubularia - Pink fanworm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 130053)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5198482)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia