Hairy 'worm' from Brisbane

June 2, 2002
From: Kerri

Hi,
I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of worm,slug type creature we came across in the Brisbane river is. [Brisbane, Queensland, Australia] Unfortunately I do not have a photo, but I'm assuming they are either an introduced species that has flourished or we just happened on a large population of them. They were about 5-6cm in length with what appeared to be fur growing over the top half of them. Their underbelly was segmentd similar to a large garden grub which was pinkish in colour. The fur on top of them was light grey in colour and about 1cm long. We were fishing near a rock wall and they kept getting onto our hooks!! Thanks...
Kerri

kerrilambert@optusnet.com.au

Kerri, 2002 (Jun 2) Hairy 'worm' from Brisbane. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7144

Dear Kerri,
At this stage I'll ignore your description of a 'segmented underbelly'. I suspect what you found is a Sea Hare called Bursatella leachii. Its about the size you describe, and often very furry, except for the smooth sole of its foot which can have transverse wrinkles when picked up, which could be mistaken for segments. You don't mention if any of them squirted red or purple ink when snagged by your fish hooks - they tend to do this when irritated.

Have a look at the page on Bursatella and the other messages and photos about and let me know if that is what upset your fishing. If it is, then Sea Hares are sometimes found in these big populations and then not seen again at a particular place for many years.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Jun 2). Comment on Hairy 'worm' from Brisbane by Kerri. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7144

Factsheet

Polychaete Worms (Bristle worms)

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