Plants and Animals

What do shipworms look like?

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A shipworm is not a worm, but a greatly elongated clam… Its two shells, enclosing only the front end of the body, function as a tool, rather than a protective covering; their ridged and roughened surfaces are used for boring.... The common shipworm of the North Atlantic Ocean, Teredo navalis, may grow up to 2 ft (60 cm) long, although its shells remain only 1/2 in. (12 mm) long.

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Get more facts and information about shipworm from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition at Encyclopedia.com.

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