Emplectonema gracile
The Green Nemertean
Phylum Nemertea Class Enopla Order Hoplonemertea Suborder Monostilifera Family Emplectonematidae Genus Emplectonema Species gracile
Description: 2 mm wide; about 20 or 50 cm in length; dark to olive green above and whitish or yellowish below; very thin.
Habitat: Found in groups of mussels, among seaweeds and under rocks in muddy locations, on docks ingroups of mussels.
Natural History: Often occur in great masses. When coming in contact with itŐs prey of barnacles or small limpets the green nemertean extends it proboscis and stuns the victim with a toxin injected by the stylet.. We found many of these nemerteans nestled in mussles anywhere from East Bay to Boston Harbor. They can be found throughout the Puget Sound.
