The internet is a strange and lovely realm full with exotic animals we never knew existed. The ribbon worm, Gorgonorhynchus repens, is one such organism that has garnered online renown because to a video of it vomiting up a milky, live tree onto a person’s fingers. But what is this creature, and why is it acting this way?
Gorgonorhynchus repens is a fascinating and unusual organism from the phylum Nemertea, popularly known as ribbon worms. These invertebrates are aggressive predators that prey on mollusks, snails, and even other sea worms in shallow marine environments. Gorgonorhynchus repens is distinguished by its extremely uncommon branching proboscis, which it shoots out from a specialised port to grab prey. The trapped victim is subsequently dragged into its mouth and swallowed completely.
However, the proboscis also functions as a defensive mechanism. When attacked, the worm extends its proboscis to ward off predators. The milky fluid visible in the video is the worm’s hunting gear, and it may cause the worm to get anxious and convulse when it comes into touch with a predator, or in this case, a person.
However, the proboscis also functions as a defensive mechanism. When attacked, the worm extends its proboscis to ward off predators. The milky fluid visible in the video is the worm’s hunting gear, and it may cause the worm to get anxious and convulse when it comes into touch with a predator, or in this case, a person.
Scientists such as Sebastian Kvist, associate curator of invertebrates at the Royal Ontario Museum, are striving to unravel the secrets of ribbon worms. Kvist specialises on Nemertea and intends to learn more about the genetic linkages of the 500 Heteronemertea ribbon worms. He is also researching how ribbon worms thrive in various conditions.
Ribbon worms are strange and intriguing creatures, but they are also interesting to study. Who knows what additional truths they have yet to reveal?
