ORDER
Heteronemertea
FAMILY
Lineidae
TAXONOMY
Lineus longissimus (Gunnerus, 1770), Norway.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
None known.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The longest nemertean known, individuals of 16.4–32.8 ft (5–10m) length are common and specimens of up to 98.4 ft (30 m) are reported. Flaccid body contracts and extends in series of irregular muscular waves when disturbed. Colors range from dark olive-brown or rich chocolate brown in smaller specimens to blackish brown to black in larger animals. Flickering purplish iridescence often evident, resulting from activity of epidermal cilia. Ventral color may be paler than dorsal. Tip of head pale or whitish and usually appearing bi-lobed. There are 10–40 reddish brown or black eyes in a row on each side of the snout.
DISTRIBUTION
From Iceland eastwards to the Atlantic and North Sea coasts of Europe.
HABITAT
Typically found on the lower shore beneath boulders on muddy sands, but also in rockpools or in deeper sublittoral locations on muddy, sandy, stony, or shelly bottoms.
BEHAVIOR
Epidermis contains toxic/noxious substances; probably a defense mechanism.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Nothing is known.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Separate sexes, external fertilization with pelagic larvae.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.
