Fat innkeeper worm, Urechis caupo, Urechidae, Polycheata, Annelida
The fat innkeeper worm is a type of marine spoonworm found in shallow waters along the western coast of North America from Oregon to Baja. It lives in sandy, u-shaped burrows where it feeds on detritus. Animals like shrimp, crabs, clams, and other worms often share this burrow, giving rise to the common name “innkeeper.” Due to its appearance, it is occasionally referred to as the penis fish.
Photo 1 by cefuchs, 2-5 by rebeccafay, 6-7 by j_mcgowan, 8 by lemurdillo, and 9 by edwardrooks