From the Depth

Ocean creatures are often compared to similar ones on land. Anemones are like plants, eels are fairly similar to snakes and hairy, fat worms are in some ways similar to a mouse.

In this case this is one weird mouse. Let me introduce you to the Dishevelled Sea Mouse (Aphrodita negligens). These hairy little guys are named for their mouselike appearance and behaviour but are actually a species of segmented worm.

Sea mice are usually 7.5–15 centimetres (3–6 inches) long; however, some attain a length of 30 centimetres (12 inches). The slightly arched back is covered with a dense mat of hairlike setae or bristles about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) long. The sea mouse burrows and creeps in a manner suggestive of a true mouse as it searches for dead and decaying bodies of animals—its main diet. These mice, or worms have no eyes so it uses two pairs of feeler-like appendages near its mouth to find what its looking for.

Sea mice are found below the intertidal zone, usually on sandy or muddy bottoms.

Catching a glimpse or getting a photo of one of these “mice” is very challenging, Since they spend most of their time under the sand and rarely break the surface. They are not fast moving but if you do stubble across one on a dive look for the rainbow coloured bristles that will reflect your lights.

Keep an eye out for this mouse in your house and thanks for reading. From the Depths is a reoccurring series written each Thursday.

Scott

For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/