Gymnelis Viridis is a scientific name for a species of marine worms commonly known as the green spoonworm. These worms belong to the family Echiuridae, which is part of the phylum Annelida. The green spoonworm is primarily found in shallow coastal waters, mainly in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The green spoonworm possesses a distinct spoon-shaped proboscis that is greenish in color, contributing to its common name. It has a cylindrical body with a length that varies between 5 and 20 centimeters. The overall body coloration of the green spoonworm can range from pale green to dark brown, depending on its environment and food source.
These marine worms burrow themselves in sandy or muddy sediments, partially buried with only their proboscis extending above the surface. They are mainly filter feeders, using their specialized proboscis to capture and consume microscopic particles and organic matter present in the water column.
Gymnelis Viridis is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, meaning it possesses both male and female reproductive organs. During mating, these worms release their gametes into the water, where external fertilization takes place. After fertilization, the eggs develop into free-swimming larvae, which later settle on the seafloor and undergo metamorphosis, eventually becoming adult spoonworms.
Overall, Gymnelis Viridis plays a vital role in marine ecosystems by recycling nutrients and contributing to the overall health of coastal environments.
