Balloon worm
Poeobius sp.
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other polychaete worms: Class: Polychaeta
- Diet
- Marine snow
- Range
- From 650 to 7,200 ft. (200–2,200 m) in the Pacific Ocean
- Size
- 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm)
Meet the balloon worm
A balloon worm feasts on bits of dead animals, poop and mucus that drift down from the surface. Its jellylike body keeps it afloat. To catch a meal, the worm unfurls fine tentacles and a large balloon-shaped net of mucus.
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