General Description

Body with proboscis projecting outward from front, with the mouth at the tip. Central body (trunk) behind the proboscis, with a raised, rounded area (tubercle) bearing four or more eyes. Eight segmented walking legs attached to the sides of the trunk. Long abdomen behind trunk, segmented at base, usually angled downwards. Leg span about 2 cm.

Biology

This common species burrows into the seafloor, however it has been observed by divers at night moving on top of the seafloor, presumably feeding. They carry eggs in a protective gelatinous mass wrapped around part of their body. This may prevent the eggs being dislodged as the individual burrows in the sand. The backward-facing proboscis is also possibly an adaptation to decrease resistance when burrowing. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.

Distribution

South-eastern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

Habitat

Sand areas, to depth of 40 m.

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