Phylum: Nemertea

Class: Anopla

Subclass: Heteronemertea

Family: Lineidae

Scientific name: Lineus longissimus

 

Norwegian: kjempeslimorm

(Hommelvik - The Trondheim fjord / 3 meters / 12.21.2006)

Distribution: The distribution along the Norwegian coast is not certain, but it observed on the west coast as far north as Trøndelag. The individual to above was observed on 3 meters depth. It crawled between rocks on hard substrate in Trøndelag. It seems to prefer shallow water.

Characteristics: There have been observations of 30 meter long individuals. It has been estimated that they can reach 60 meters when they stretch their body in full length. If this is the case, it is the longest animal on earth. The color is brown with a number of beige stripes running along the body.

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