Scale worms are predatory marine worms common throughout Alaska's marine waters. Their feeding habits are described for a few species that feed on smaller organisms, and it is presumed the others feed similarly. Note the eye spots near the head and the bushy setae.
The scaleworms are identified by the elytra (scales) that cover their backs. The elytra often have distinct color patterns or growths (tubercules) on them, such as those shown here for G. cirrhosa. The "horns" in this case grow along the edge of the scale.
The setae are characteristic to each species with this animal having very bushy setae throughout.Scaleworms occur regularly in soft sediments throughout Alaska, presumably in association with their prey. They are highly mobile and can get quite big, depending on the species.
This particular animal was recently found in the Chukchi Sea. It was about an inch in length total and was missing many scales and other parts due to handling.
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