Scientific Name: Teredo navalis
Common Name Mangrove Worm
Other Names: Teredo Worm, Shipworm
Distribution: Northen half of Australia in Mangroves
Field Notes: A grey slimy and pliable mollusc which can grow to well over 40cm in length. This worm is found in the rotting wood of mangrove trees and logs where it uses it's sharp beaked head to chew through the wood.
Uses: The worm was eaten by aboriginal people as a cue for general illness. It was usually eaten raw. It is held by the head and the majority of the body eaten, with the hard head discarded. The taste is somewhat similar to raw oyster.
Source
The result of a log infested with shipworm
Common Name Mangrove Worm
Other Names: Teredo Worm, Shipworm
Distribution: Northen half of Australia in Mangroves
Field Notes: A grey slimy and pliable mollusc which can grow to well over 40cm in length. This worm is found in the rotting wood of mangrove trees and logs where it uses it's sharp beaked head to chew through the wood.
Uses: The worm was eaten by aboriginal people as a cue for general illness. It was usually eaten raw. It is held by the head and the majority of the body eaten, with the hard head discarded. The taste is somewhat similar to raw oyster.
Source
The result of a log infested with shipworm
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