What is a sea mouse called? - briefly
The marine polychaete commonly referred to as a sea mouse bears the scientific name «Aphrodita aculeata». It is a benthic worm found in temperate coastal waters.
What is a sea mouse called? - in detail
The marine invertebrate commonly referred to as the sea mouse belongs to the phylum Annelida and is scientifically named «Aphrodita aculeata». It is classified within the class Polychaeta, order Phyllodocida, and family Aphroditidae.
Morphologically, the organism resembles a slender, elongated worm up to 30 cm in length. Its body is covered with dense, bristle‑like setae that possess a silvery sheen, giving the appearance of a mouse‑like silhouette when viewed in water. The setae are composed of protein fibers that can be drawn into fine threads, a characteristic exploited in historical textile experiments.
Habitat preferences include temperate and cold marine environments, predominantly on soft substrates such as mud and sand. Geographic distribution spans the North Atlantic, the North Sea, and the Pacific coasts of North America and Japan. Depth range extends from the intertidal zone to approximately 200 m.
Feeding behavior is predatory; the animal captures small crustaceans, polychaete larvae, and detritus using its rapid eversible pharynx. Digestion occurs intracellularly, and waste is expelled through a posterior anal opening.
Key biological features:
- Reproductive strategy: external fertilization with planktonic larval stage.
- Sensory adaptation: chemoreceptors on the prostomium detect prey chemicals.
- Defensive mechanism: setae can detach, entangling potential predators.
The sea mouse’s distinctive setae have attracted scientific interest for their mechanical properties, offering insights into bio‑inspired material design.