This group of organisms usually has an elongated, cylindrical shaped body consisting of a series of similar segments.
Bloodworm are marine in nature and inhabit the intertidal and subtidal regions of mud flats.
They can survive in areas with low oxygen levels and have the ability to tolerate fluctuating salinity rates. Bloodworms are found along the Atlantic seaboard from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida, as well as through the Gulf of Mexico to Texas. They also exist on the West coast from California to Mexico. These worms are creamy pink and have minute fleshy projections called parapodia which function during movement and respiration. Another distinguishing feature of these creatures is their large eversible proboscis which is armed with four poisonous jaws.