Purple Worm

Aglaophamus macroura

Purple Worm

A burrowing bristleworm of sandy beaches and soft seabeds, it works through the sediment among kelp and mussel beds down to around 300 metres. It belongs to the nephtyid worms, active predators that use a muscular eversible throat to seize small prey.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Annelida › Polychaeta › Phyllodocida › Nephtyidae › Aglaophamus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 173673.

FAQ

How deep does the Purple Worm live?
The Purple Worm (Aglaophamus macroura) is typically found at 0–400 m.
Is the Purple Worm dangerous to divers?
The Purple Worm is harmless to divers.