This invertebrate is a nemertean or “ribbon worm”. It lacks specialized gills, and instead respires through the surface of its skin. #SealifeSaturday | Science Channel

2.8K views | Milky Ribbon Worm 缾 I found this worm while I was harvesting bloodworms in the tidal mud flats here in Maine 缾 #viral #worms #outdoors #hand #nature | Wayne Bishko | Facebook

22K views · 187 reactions | This is a Milky Ribbon Worm these worms prey on soft shell clams. I harvest these clams in the tidal mud flats here in Maine around the time of low tide 缾 #mainecoast #viral #nature #seafood #outdoors | Wayne Bishko | Facebook

The ribbon worm belongs to the phylum Nemertea and is known for its long, ribbon like body and a hidden weapon most animals never see. The white branching structure visible here is its proboscis, a feeding tube normally stored inside the body and rapidly fired outward to capture prey. Seeing it fully extended is rare and offers a glimpse into how unusual these creatures really are. Ribbon worms live in marine, freshwater, and even damp terrestrial environments, often tucked beneath rocks, sand,

This page goes deeper than the surface Ribbon worms can be tiny or incredibly long. Most are only a few centimeters, but some species grow for dozens of meters. The bootlace worm is believed to reach up to 30 to 60 meters long, making it possibly the longest animal on Earth, even though it is only a few millimeters wide. What makes ribbon worms special is how they hunt. They have a hidden feeding tube called a proboscis stored inside their body. When prey comes close, they shoot it out in second