Feather Duster Worms [Serpulidae]
Description
Serpulidae, also known as feather duster worms, are a family within the order Terebellida characterized by their calcareous tubes and distinctive feather-like gills. These gills serve both for respiration and feeding, capturing plankton and detritus from the water column. Serpulidae are sedentary, attaching themselves permanently to substrates, including rocks, shells, and even the hulls of ships. Their colorful gills, which retract when threatened, contribute significantly to the biodiversity and aesthetic value of coral reef ecosystems.
Genera
Spirobranchus [Spirobranchus]
View DetailsCalcisabella [Calcisabella]
View DetailsDexiospira [Dexiospira]
View DetailsFicopomatus [Ficopomatus]
View DetailsHydroides [Hydroides]
View DetailsJosephella [Josephella]
View DetailsMetavermilia [Metavermilia]
View DetailsNeodexiospira [Neodexiospira]
View DetailsPseudovermilia [Pseudovermilia]
View DetailsVermiliopsis [Vermiliopsis]
View DetailsVitellosiphon [Vitellosiphon]
View DetailsTaxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Terebellida
Terebellida
|
Statistics
- Genera 11