(Courtesy of U. S. Geological Survey )
Nodding Head
(Barentsia benedeni)

These tiny colonial animals are whitish and grow up to 1/16" (2 mm) in length. A circle of tentacles surround their cup-like upper portion. The upper portion is mounted on a stalk that is connected to other individuals by a root-like network. They are found on pilings, rocks and shells. These animals are native to Europe and arrived in New England via ship fouling.

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