This page links to photos of sipunculan worms (phylum Sipuncula) that we have photographed in the Marshall Islands. Sipunculans, commonly called peanut worms, have a retractible introvert, the anterior end containing the mouth. There are only a few hundred described species, and their exact taxonomic placement remains in doubt. Traditionally thought of as a separate phylum, there is some evidence they may be belong to the Annelida worms, despite their lack of segmentation. It has also been suggested they may be closer to mollusks. These worms can be very common, usually buried in sediments, under rocks, or boring into the reef. They are a food source for some, maybe all species in the genus gastropod Mitra. Most of our species remain unidentified.
Measurements were not taken in the field and animals were not collected, so sizes given are all eyeball estimates, often based on distant memories, and are provided only to give a rough idea of what you could be looking for.
The thumbnails below link to pages with additional, larger photographs.
All photos are protected by copyright. Please contact uwkwaj@yahoo.com for more information on purchase, use, or redistribution of any photos.
