Guernsey marine worms

This gallery contains images of marine 'worms' - species that look like a worm and have 'worm' in their name - including species in the phyla platyhelminthes (flatworms), nemertea (ribbon worms), annelida (segmented worms) (including leeches and polychaetes); and sipuncula.

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This beautiful scaleworm, Alentia gelatinosa, turned up in one of Clive Brown's crab pots in about 50 fathoms of water off the south coast of Guernsey. The same species is found also on the Guernsey shore under boulders and cobbles and in tide pools. It swims quickly in a slinky manner undulating its body from side to side. It is the largest scaleworm found on the Guernsey shore reaching a length of 6 to 7 cm. It is not abundant but it is seen regularly. The scales or elytra overlap and cover the dorsal surface of the body. They are easily shed if the animal is handled. The worm has a soft gelatinous appearance. It can be brown or grey.

It does not appear in the Collins Pocket Guide Sea Shore of Britain & Northern Europe by Peter Hayward, Tony Nelson-Smith and Chris Shields. I identified this species from a French sea shore guide.

Clive Brown gave this scaleworm for me to photograph on 16 April, 2003.

File No. 160403 12-657
©RLLord
sealordphoto@gmail.com

alentia gelatinosa gelatinous scaleworm scaleworm Guernsey clive brown polychaete polychaeta bristleworm british marine life channel islands marine invertebrate annelid annelida aphroditidae elytra creepy crawly fast swimmer worm sea shore marine worm

Sealord photography's biodiversity images began with a focus on international commercial seafood species and the marine life of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Great Britain.

Sealord photography has a growing collection of digital images covering climate change, the environment and sustainability issues.

Sealord photography also covers the Guernsey community and particularly the fund raising activities of Guernsey charities as part of the island's social sustainability.

The fish, shellfish and marine life images would not be possible if it were not for the generosity of commercial and recreational fishermen in Guernsey, and seafood suppliers at various trade shows in the USA, and wholesalers at Fulton Fish Market in New York City.

Many marine biologists have helped identify or confirm the identity of marine species photographed. These people have been mentioned when possible.

Please email: sealord@me.com or sustainableguernsey@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments about Sealord photography. Thank you. Richard Lord

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Sealord photography focuses on three themes:

Biodiversity with an emphasis on marine life

Sustainability relating to construction & urban development; energy; food; transport; and waste.

The Guernsey community

Guernsey marine worms