Sea Mouse
By Sarah Watson
Events Officer at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
The Sea Mouse (Aphrodita aculeata), a chunky marine worm, is about 15 cm long and rarely seen by people. However, winter storms can occasionally wash these creatures up on the high tide line.
This one was found at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and returned to the sea. A closer look reveals a shimmering, iridescent fringe among its duller bristles. Scientists have discovered that the Sea Mouse employs remarkable 'photonic engineering' – a sophisticated light-manipulation technology that humans are only beginning to understand.
The worm's bristles are uniquely structured to reflect light in a precise manner. Researchers believe this colourful display serves as a defence mechanism, deterring predators in the dark, murky environment of the seabed.
Adult Sea Mice are mobile and widespread in UK waters. Living from the low-tide mark to depths of around 200 metres, they remain largely invisible to casual observers. Occasionally, they are found washed ashore after storms or stranded during low tides. As seabed predators, they hunt among muddy sand, feeding on small crabs and other worms.
The video is sped up 3x faster than real life, after about the first five seconds, because clever engineering aside, Sea Mice are rather slow!
Flim © Barry Yates
Comments
Thank you really interesting
28 Nov 2024 11:56:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Pleasure!
Educational
28 Nov 2024 13:58:00
Utube does not open.
28 Nov 2024 19:42:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
You can watch the film on YouTube here
Wonderful 😊 nature is full of amazing surprises
29 Nov 2024 07:49:00
mst interesting
29 Nov 2024 17:03:00
What an amazing creature and even more so that scientists are only just beginning to understand its sophisticated light-manipulation technology. Equally amazing that the Sea Mouse is so common, it’s just that we don’t often come across it. Well done, whoever found the one at Rye Harbour NR.
29 Nov 2024 18:00:00
Fascinating. I’ve never heard of such a creature.
Thank you
30 Nov 2024 08:22:00