Worm or?

[larry200]

Cayman Brac night dive, ~ 35 feet. When first spotted, creature was ~8 inches in length. We watched it move ~ 2 feet over the sand in a minute or so. Then it shortned its body significantly to about 4 inches in length. It was the end of the dive and we did not get any good photos of it, but I have attached what we have.

-- Larry B.

 

[larry200]

I apologize for answering my own question.

Scientific Name: Loimia medusa Category: Spaghetti Worms
Size: Tentacle to 18 in. (45 cm) Depth: 10-130 ft. (3-40 m)
Distribution: Circumtropical

Medusa Worm - Loimia medusa - Spaghetti Worms - - Tropical Reefs

I emailed four other divers I know and one of them identified it.

-- Larry B.

 

[redacted]

Try a beaded sea cucumber.

 

[larry200]

Thanks! From the various photos online, I have to agree that beaded sea cucumber is correct.

It seems that the term "medusa worm" is often mistakenly applied to beaded sea cucumbers, judging by photos on the internet.

And that confusion has caused problems for some salt-water aquarium afficionados.

Reefguide.org could use a good photo of a beaded sea cucumber.

-- Larry B.