It uses this to fire an adhesive, barbed proboscis as a means of defense, and to capture prey.

Although this creature does not have a dedicated respiratory system, Parborlasia corrugata is able to obtain oxygen by absorbing it through its skin.

An animal of its size would typically find it difficult to receive enough oxygen this way, but this worm has a low metabolic rate, and also enjoys the advantage of its environment, which is cold, oxygen-rich Antarctic waters.

[3] Potential predators avoid this species as it has a chemical defense: acidic mucus with a pH 3.5.

[4] Parborlasia corrugatus is both a scavenger and a predator, and feeds upon detritus diatoms, gastropods, amphipods, isopods, various vertebrate carrion, sponges (including Homaxinella balfourensis), jellyfish, seastars, molluscs, anemones, and polychaete worms.