Giant Sea Worm [Dasybranchus giganteus]
Description
The Dasybranchus giganteus, commonly known as the Giant Sea Worm, is a species of marine polychaete worm within the family Terebellidae. The Giant Sea Worm can grow up to 3 meters long and has a distinctively reddish-purple coloration. This species is a burrowing worm, residing mainly in sandy or muddy substrates in deep-sea environments. It is nocturnal and feeds primarily on detritus, small invertebrates, and marine vegetation. A distinguishing feature of the Giant Sea Worm is its numerous branchiae or 'gills,' which give the genus its name.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Capitellida
Capitellida
|
| Family |
Capitellids
Capitellidae
|
| Genus |
Dasybranchus
Dasybranchus
|