Range: Observed in deep water off the coasts of western North America and Philippines, likely living elsewhere

Habitat: Deep marine water at least 8,850 feet (2,700m) deep

Size: Up to 30mm long and 5mm wide

Diet: Unknown

Threats: Unknown

Lifespan: Unknown

Transcript:

Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing bomber worms. These worms are annelids, or segmented worms, like leeches or earthworms, but they live deep in the ocean. They’re elusive, but not rare. They live at least 8,850 feet (2,700m) below the ocean's surface, so they're not easy to reach, however, they're commonly spotted by vehicles cruising these depths. That being said, they weren't scientifically described until 2009. As of this recording, there are three named species of bomber worms, but this will likely change with new information. This just goes to show how much we don't know about what lurks beneath the waves.

Bomber worms are named for the eight bomb-like structures on their body made from modified gills. These regrenerative “bombs” are released when the worm is threatened by other deepsea creatures. The “bombs” glow when deployeed and cause a distraction, like an octopus’s ink. This gives the worm a chance to swim away. Bomber worms are separated from most other members of their family by their swimming ability. In fact, their scientific name, Swima, is a reflection of this. It’s believed these worms spend their entire lives suspended between 3 feet to over 1,300 feet (1-400m) above the floor of the ocean meaning they are holopelagic. When they are inactive, bomber worms are neuterally bouyant, so they hang in the water neither sinking or floating.

Bomber worms are polychaetes, which are otherwise known as bristle worms. They get this common name from the fleshy protrusions from their body, called parapodia, that are covered in hair-like structures. Another example of a bristle worm we’ve talked about on this show is the bobbit worm, or sand striker. Bomber worms swim using their parapodia. In one species the bristles on these are flattened into paddle shapes. Their bodies are gelatinous and transparent, though in one species their gut is dark and stands out. Bomber worms reach over an inch (2.5cm) in length and 5mm in width. They have no eyes but in the pitch black abyssal zone, they're not necessarily needed.

Bomber worms have been observed off the west coast of North America as well waters around the Philippines. It’s likely there are other places where they occur, it’s just difficult to make these observations due to the remote nature of their habitat. In many ways, bomber worms are still a mystery animal. It's unknown how long they live, how they breed, and what they eat.

For more facts on bomber worms, check out the links below. Give a thumbs up if you learned something new today. Thank you to our Patrons SpikeSpiegel93, Dad, and everyone else for their support of this channel! Thank you to these viewers for today’s request! And thank you for watching Animal Fact Files!