What does a sea mouse look like? - briefly
A sea mouse is an elongated, soft‑bodied marine worm ranging from 10 cm to 30 cm in length, with a pink‑to‑orange cylindrical body densely covered in fine, hair‑like setae that give it a fuzzy, mouse‑resembling appearance. The setae often display iridescent colors and can be erected when the animal is threatened, accentuating its distinctive look.
What does a sea mouse look like? - in detail
The marine annelid commonly called a sea mouse is a slender, elongated worm ranging from 5 cm to 30 cm in length, depending on species and age. Its body consists of numerous segmented rings, each covered by a thin, translucent cuticle that reveals underlying musculature.
Coloration varies with habitat and light exposure. In shallow, sunlit waters the animal displays a pale, almost translucent hue, while specimens from deeper zones exhibit a muted brown or gray tone. When illuminated, the cuticle refracts light, producing a subtle iridescent sheen that can shift from green to blue.
Key visual features include:
- Setae (bristles): rows of fine, hair‑like structures line each segment. These bristles are densely packed near the anterior end, forming a conspicuous “furry” fringe that gives the creature its common name. The setae are typically white or pale yellow and can detach easily.
- Papillae: small, nipple‑shaped projections appear on the dorsal surface, especially toward the posterior half. They contribute to a slightly bumpy texture.
- Mouthparts: a ventral, eversible pharynx equipped with tiny jaws is hidden beneath the head segment, visible only when the animal is feeding.
- Posterior tip: the tail end tapers to a blunt point, lacking the bristled fringe seen anteriorly.
Internally, the sea mouse possesses a well‑developed circulatory system with hemoglobin‑rich blood, giving the body a faint pinkish tint when the cuticle is thin. The nervous system runs longitudinally along the ventral side, with paired ganglia in each segment.
Overall, the organism presents a sleek, ribbon‑like silhouette, covered in a dense veil of fine bristles that catch and scatter light, creating the characteristic “mouse‑like” appearance that distinguishes it from other benthic worms.