Acorn worms are related to the vertebrates since they possess a
notochord but there are no vertebral bones. There is a collar-like
structure at the head which makes them easy to distinguish from other
worm phyla. They are burrowing forms that leave coils of sand at
the surface. A food source for many mollusks and fishes.
HAWAII
Ptychodera flava
Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 10 feet
Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 10 feet
Paiko, Oahu, 1 foot
YELLOW ACORN WORM
A common buried species on sand flats. Expels coil of sand as it
feeds. Preyed upon by fishes,
cones, and auger
shells.
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