Ver Rubané À Cinq Lignes

Overview

The five-lined ribbon worm (Baseodiscus quinquelineatus) is a striking, unsegmented marine worm known for its exceptionally long, slender body. It is primarily found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific, where it inhabits reef environments and sandy substrates.

Appearance

This species is easily identified by its distinct coloration: a milky white or grayish body marked by five longitudinal black or dark brown stripes running along its back, with two additional stripes on the underside. While these worms can reach impressive lengths—sometimes exceeding one to two meters—they remain remarkably thin, typically measuring only a few millimeters in diameter. Their soft, ribbon-like bodies are highly flexible, allowing them to stretch and contract as they move.

Distribution & habitat

Baseodiscus quinquelineatus is widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific, ranging from Indonesia and the Philippines to southern Japan, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Caledonia. They are typically found in intertidal zones and reef flats, often hiding among coral rubble, sand, or beneath rocks during the day.

Biology & behavior

These worms are nocturnal, emerging from their daytime retreats in the sand or under debris to become active at night. They are known to be sensitive to disturbance and will often retreat quickly if threatened. Like other nemerteans, they move by gliding over surfaces using cilia and mucus. As predators, they utilize a specialized, venomous proboscis—a tubular appendage kept tucked inside their body—to capture and subdue prey, which includes small crustaceans, mollusks, and other worms.