European Fan Worm [Sabella spallanzanii]
Description
The European Fan Worm is a large, tube-dwelling worm with a crown of feeding tentacles that extend out to capture food particles in the water. The worm's body is protected by a parchment-like tube, which is often encrusted with mud or sand. This species is native to the Mediterranean Sea, but has been introduced and is now established in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and elsewhere. It is commonly found in harbors and on other artificial structures, where it can grow in dense clusters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Sabellida
Sabellida
|
| Family |
Sabellids
Sabellidae
|
| Genus |
European Fan Worm
Spirographis
|