Common name: green spoon worm

General information

The Green Spoonworm, Bonellia viridis, is a fascinating marine invertebrate known for its striking sexual dimorphism and unique reproductive strategy. The females are large, with a dark green body and a long, spoon-shaped proboscis, while males are tiny, rarely seen, and live parasitically within the female's body. This species is not commonly kept in home aquariums due to its specialized habitat requirements and lifestyle.

Care

Care for Bonellia viridis in captivity is challenging and not well-documented, as they are not typical inhabitants of reef aquariums. They require a specific environment that mimics their natural habitat, including a soft substrate for burrowing and a diet of small invertebrates. Due to their unique biology and the difficulty in meeting their needs, they are not recommended for the average hobbyist.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Bonellia viridis is highly unusual. Larvae that settle on the ocean floor develop into females, while those that come into contact with a female's proboscis turn into microscopic males that live inside the female's body. This reproductive strategy, known as environmental sex determination, is a rare phenomenon and a subject of scientific interest.

Habitat

Bonellia viridis is typically found in the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting soft substrates where it can burrow. It prefers environments with mud or sand bottoms, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to several hundred meters deep.