Phascolopsis gouldii

Description

Phascolopsis gouldii can reach thirty centimetres long and is a smooth slender cylindrical shape. The body is pinkish and divided into an anterior introvert and a posterior trunk. The introvert is about one quarter of the length of the body and can be retracted inside it by turning outside in. This is done by the contraction of two pairs of large introvert retractor muscles which extend from the body wall of the trunk to near the mouth which is at the tip of the introvert in the centre of the oral disc. This is surrounded by a ring of short tentacles that are used for feeding and in gas exchange. They are pink inside due to the presence of the pigment hemerythrin used in oxygen transport. The anus is on a small mound where the trunk and introvert join. The trunk is covered by a thick integument and is largely composed of bands of longitudinal muscles which can be seen through the cuticle. The anterior part of the trunk, into which the introvert retracts, is broader than the posterior part.

Distribution

This peanut worm is found in shallow coastal waters on the eastern seaboard of the United States from Connecticut to Florida, Particular locations where it has been found include Cobscook Bay, the Gulf of Maine, Minister's Island, Indian Point, Newfoundland and the St Lawrence estuary.

Biology

Phascolopsis gouldii burrows in muddy sand. It can pull itself under the surface by pushing its introvert down and then retracting it. It is a deposit and filter feeder, collecting detritus with its tentacles for insertion into its mouth or for consumption after retraction of the introvert. It is able to feed with its introvert while its soft trunk remains in the safety of the burrow. It is dioecious but the sexes are similar. They release eggs and sperm simultaneously into the water and external fertilisation takes place.

References

References

1. [http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=266603 World Register of Marine Species]
2. "Invertebrate Anatomy OnLine".
3. and Canada.[http://data.gbif.org/species/14569443/ Global Biodiversity Information Facility]
4. [http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/sipuncula/sipuncula.htm Peanut worms]