Urechidae

In the sand dollar beds, 3m depth at the monterey Breakwater.

In this view of the same individual as above taken a few seconds later, a wave of peristalsis can be seen traveling along the body.

Warning: this observation is NSFW ;-)

Urechis caupo, about 20 cm long, in an artificial burrow in Monterey Bay Aquarium. The head is to the top right. (Photo by: Dave Cowles, August 2010 )

Warning: this observation is NSFW ;-)

A favorite sea otter prey item in harbors and estuaries. The process of consumption of these "weenie worms" is not for the squeamish.

Benthic surveys, Elkhorn Slough

The first, second, and third of five Urechis caupo that had been discovered in a small stretch of the muddy shore to the bay's main channel. They were extracted from their dens via a clam gun at low tide during mid-day.

The first, second, and third of five Urechis caupo that had been discovered in a small stretch of the muddy shore to the bay's main channel. They were extracted from their dens via a clam gun at low tide during mid-day.

The first, second, and third of five Urechis caupo that had been discovered in a small stretch of the muddy shore to the bay's main channel. They were extracted from their dens via a clam gun at low tide during mid-day.

Guts squirting everywhere! Nice breakfast...

Guts squirting everywhere! Nice breakfast...

Guts squirting everywhere! Nice breakfast...

what is this terrifying creature? nasty hahahah