Australian Tubeworm [Ficopomatus enigmaticus]
Description
The Australian Tubeworm, or Ficopomatus enigmaticus, is an aquatic, sessile (non-moving), tube-building worm belonging to the Family Serpulidae. It is known for creating calcareous tubes in brackish waters, often forming reef-like structures. It is a filter feeder, extracting plankton and detritus from the water column. This species is tolerant of a wide range of salinities and temperatures, making it a successful invader worldwide.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Sabellida
Sabellida
|
| Family |
Serpulids
Serpulidae
|
| Genus |
Ficopomatus
Ficopomatus
|