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Bloodworm (Glycera dibranchiata) Classification: Phylum: Annelida; Class: Polychaeta Description: Bloodworms are creamy pink segmented worms with small fleshy projections called parapodia. Their pale skin allows their red body fluid to show through, hence, the name "bloodworm." Their anterior end has a small tapered postomium with four small antennae. Habitat: These worms burrow in to sandy-mud or silty-clay of the intertidal and subtidal regions. They can tolerate low levels of oxygen in the substrate as well as minimum salinity. Movement: Bloodworms are excellent burrowers utilizing their prostomium, short stiff parapodia and perisaltic muscle contractions. during the winter months, they redistribute by swimming to another area thus repopulating a flat. Respiration: Each parapodia has two finger-like gills where gases are exchanged with their body fluid. Ingestion: These worms have a large eversible proboscis armed with four hollow jaws which are connected to poison glands. These "fangs" impale and kill their prey and can inflict a painful bite to unwary humans. Growth: Bloodworms can grow up to fifteen inches in length. Their rate of growth is affected by the availability of food, temperature and salinity. Excretion: Liquid wastes are eliminated from each segment via tube-like structures called "nephridia." The non-digestible solids are packaged within fecal pellets and regurgitated. Nervous System: The anterior brain is connected to a large ventral nerve cord. This cord runs from the anterior to the posterior end of the worm. Circulation: These worms do not have a highly developed circulatory system. Coelomic fluid containing hemoglobin is circulated by peristalic body movements. Reproduction: During the middle of June, the water temperature and tidal stage initiate the spawning process of the sexually mature worms. They swim to the surface of the water where the males emit sperm and the females burst releasing their eggs. Box sexes of worms die after spawning. Common Names: "beak thrower" Predators: They are preyed upon by other carnivorous worms, crustaceans, fish and seagulls. Other Gulf of Maine Species: Sand worm (Nereis virens), Lugworm (Arenicola marina), Terebellid worm (Amphitrite johnstoni), Scale worms (Harmothoe species) and Trumpet worm (Pectinaria gouldii) |
| Eastern Sea Worm Company | Natural History of the Bloodworm |