Story: Marine animals without backbones

Ribbon worms

Ribbon worms

Ribbon worms are long, thin and unsegmented. They are commonly found under tidal rocks or around the base of seaweed. A number are brightly coloured or striped. All are predators. They slide along on a film of mucus and shoot their long proboscis at their prey. The proboscis is usually tucked inside the body until needed.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff, 'Marine animals without backbones - Simple worms', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/5854/ribbon-worms (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006