Nemertean (Amphiporus lactifloreus) preying on Mysis

A hoplonemertean preying on a crustacean recorded in the lab. Nemerteans use their evertible proboscis to catch and immobilize their prey. To be able to pierce the cuticle of an e.g. crustacean, hoplonemerteans possess a stilet on the proboscis. Additionally to anesthetizica, digestive enzymes are injected so that the tissue of the prey dissolves and can be sucked in by the worm. Mysis is not the natural bait of Amphiporus. This specis is a benthic hunter and preys on Amphipod crustacean species in nature.