Feather duster worm [Terebella pompadora]
Description
Terebella pompadora, commonly known as the feather duster worm, is a marine polychaete worm notable for its elaborate, feathery gills that protrude from its tube. These gills are used for both respiration and food capture. Feather duster worms live in tubes that they construct from mucus and sediment particles, which provides them with protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions. They are filter feeders and are commonly found in shallow waters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Aciculata
Aciculata
|
| Family |
Terebellids
Terebellidae
|
| Genus |
Terebella
Terebella
|