Another weird sea creature… Today the sea…

Another weird sea creature… Today the sea mouse

anobservantmermaid:

The segmented structure of the sea mouse (Aphrodita aculeata), a kind of polycheate worm, can be seen only if it is turned over because its back is disguised by a thick felt of hairs that mask its segments. Running along each side of its body are numerous stiff, black bristles and a fringe of beautiful, iridescent hairs that glow green, blue, or yellow. The bristles can cause severe irritation if they puncture the skin. The sea mouse is so called because it looks like a bedraggled mouse when washed up dead on the shore.

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