#rythmisnothing

Nemerteans are neither worms nor fish, although they look a bit like both. They are unique enough to belong in their own phylum. Most nemerteans burrow in sediments or between crevices in rocks, shells, and other seafloor habitats, but some, like this one, live in the open ocean, never touching the seafloor. Nemerteans range in length from a few millimeters to 30 meters stretched (nearly 100 feet) in length (most species commonly measure about 20 centimeters, just about eight inches, or less).⁠ ⁠ This ribbon worm (Phallonemertes sp.) was observed at 1,630 meters (5,348 feet).

There are lots of little red jellies in the midnight zone, so many that it’s often difficult for researchers to tell them apart. MBARI scientists have spent years collecting and analyzing data to distinguish these species from one another based on their shape and form. In 2020, they developed a key to help scientists tell these look-alike species apart through their physical differences, depth distribution, and behavior.⁠