Urechis unicinctus

Species of marine spoon worm

Urechis unicinctus, commonly known as the fat innkeeper worm, is a species of marine spoon worm in the family Urechidae. It is found in the coastal waters of East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea.

Description

Urechis unicinctus is a large, sausage-shaped worm that can grow up to 20 cm in length. It has a smooth, unsegmented body that is typically pink or brown in color. The worm is known for its unique burrowing behavior, creating U-shaped burrows in the sand or mud of shallow waters.

Habitat

This species inhabits the intertidal and subtidal zones, where it constructs burrows in soft sediments. These burrows serve as a habitat for the worm and also provide shelter for other marine organisms, such as crabs and shrimp.

Ecology

Urechis unicinctus is a filter feeder, using a mucus net to trap plankton and detritus from the water. The worm's burrowing activity aerates the sediment, which can enhance the local ecosystem by increasing the availability of nutrients.

Cultural significance

In Korea, Urechis unicinctus is known as gaebul (__) and is considered a delicacy. It is often consumed raw, grilled, or stir-fried. The worm is also used as bait in fishing.

Media

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  Urechis unicinctus in motion
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  Urechis unicinctus prepared as a dish
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  Urechis unicinctus in a market

Related pages

• Echiura
• Marine biology
• Korean cuisine

References

• Barnes, R. D. (1980). Invertebrate Zoology. Philadelphia, PA: Holt-Saunders International.
• Ruppert, E. E., Fox, R. S., & Barnes, R. D. (2004). Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach. Brooks/Cole.

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  Urechis unicinctus in Korea
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  Urechis unicinctus video
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  Urechis unicinctus, also known as "gaebul"
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  Urechis unicinctus, commonly found in Korean cuisine