Bamboo Worms
1. Bamboo Worm retreats into the sand
Photo 1 of 4: This is the first photo in the sequence, showing a Bamboo Worm disappearing back into the sand.
| Name: | Bamboo Worms |
| Scientific Name: | Maldanidae sp. |
| Family: | Bamboo Worms |
| Taxonomic: | Maldanidae |
| ID Group: | Worms |
| Size: | 9 - 10 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
Bamboo Worms have long, soft, segmented bodies that are partly see-through. Small ridges along the body give them a bamboo-like look. They have a blunt head that can stretch out from the tube and a rear end with finger-like projections.
Bamboo Worms make protective tubes from sand. They move through muddy or sandy areas while taking in the surrounding material and removing nutrients from it.
Bamboo Worms are probably very common, but they are rarely seen because they live under the sand.