Critter of the Month

Critter of the Month gives a peek into the lives of Puget Sound’s least-known inhabitants – mud-dwelling invertebrates collected by the Marine Sediment Monitoring Team. Each month we feature a different species or group, giving information on identification, habitat, and life history.
Critter of the Month gives a peek into the lives of Puget Sound’s least-known inhabitants – mud-dwelling invertebrates collected by the Marine Sediment Monitoring Team. Each month we feature a different species or group, giving information on identification, habitat, and life history.

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Having a bad hair day? The hair worms can relate
The hair worms belong to a family of polychaetes called Cirratulidae, and their tangled hairs are actually branchiae, external gills that occur in pairs along their bodies.
Where there’s a quill, there’s a way: The slender sea pen
This month's critter looks a lot like an old fashioned-feather quill pen and is fittingly named Stylatula elongata, the sea pen.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream cone worms
Ice cream cone worms are easily recognized by their distinct cone-shaped tubes that can be up to two inches long.
Brighten your holiday season with the northern opalescent nudibranch
This month’s aquatic critter looks like a luminous holiday spirit carrying dozens of flickering candles. Definitely don’t try this at home, no matter how festive the effect might be!
The arrow worms: Part worm, part fish, part…tiger?
Let’s get “straight to the point”: the arrow worm is “right on target” to be named one of the strangest creatures roaming Puget Sound.
The spiny pink scallop is ready for sweater weather
This particular scallop is known for its bright color and the prominent spines that adorn the ribs running down its shell.
Citizen scientists help Ecology monitor the environment
Every day we work closely with fellow Washingtonians to monitor and study our shared environment. Here are just a few examples of how we partner with citizen scientists throughout the state.
Beware of cute little monsters: The jelly-dwelling anemone has a spooky secret
Step aside, Alien. Puget Sound has its very own version of this famous parasitic predator, but without the terrifying claws or fangs.
Review our report on options to help the Chehalis River Basin

As part of a community effort to restore the basin and put it on a path to recovery, we have completed a report for your review and input.

Get ready to "fall" for the orange sea pen
The orange sea pen resembles a colorful autumn tree waving in the breeze of moving water currents.