The gossamer worm (Tomopteris sp.) lives in the midwater—an open expanse of water far below the surface and far above the seafloor. Unlike its bottom-dwelling kin, the gossamer worm lives in constant motion. This ethereal worm is a graceful swimmer that “dances” through the midwater with the rhythmic paddling of its swimming legs.
Scientists have described about 60 species of gossamer worms. Most gossamer worms are transparent—an adaptation that allows them to hide in plain sight from both predators and prey. Many are only a few centimeters in length, but the largest are more than 60 centimeters (two feet) long, including their long extendable tails.
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We often see these wonderful worms floating motionlessly in the water column, but here is a spectacular view of a balloon worm in action. 🏊🏻
The balloon worm (Poeobius meseres) lacks the bristly chaetae and paddle-like parapodia that other worms use to swim or crawl. But the elaborate structure of its head hinted that this specialized worm was indeed a member of the bristle-cage worm family (family Flabelligeridae).
Genetic sequences support this placement in the family tree and name Therochaeta collarifera, an inhabitant of the muddy seafloor, as the balloon worm’s closest relative. While this Poeobius species lives in the waters far above the deep seafloor, it appears to have evolved from bottom-dwelling ancestors. Learn more about these wonderful worms on our website.
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