'Sea Mouse' from England

January 13, 2006
From: Sally Elizabeth Moore

I have just been walking my dog on the sand at Exmouth in England in the estuary . I came across a creature about 4-5 inches long lying on the sand. I assumed it was dead as it was upside down. But it moved when I touched it. The underside was ribbed rather woodlouse like in appearance. When I turned it over the centre of its back was covered in sand . Then it appeared to have black spines and finally the most wonderful iridescent coloured hairs along its sides. I picked it up (using a polythene bag in case it was poisonous ) and put it in some shallow water. At first it did not appear to move but then I realised it was somehow disappearing into the sand. I know nothing about sea creatures but was fascinated by this one. So when I came home I googled sea slug because that was the nearest thing I could think of and came across this site. I hope someone can tell me what it was so that I can learn more!

Sally Moore

sally@sallymoore.co.uk

Moore, S.E., 2006 (Jan 13) 'Sea Mouse' from England. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15544

Dear Sally,
From your good description I can give you a quick answer. It is not a sea slug but a type of polychaete worm which is often called a Sea Mouse. Have a look at the photos of one from California [message #7171]. One genus name is Aphrodite so that's a good name to search for on the web.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Jan 13). Comment on 'Sea Mouse' from England by Sally Elizabeth Moore. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15544

Factsheet

Polychaete Worms (Bristle worms)

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