Magnificent Feather Duster Worm [Spirobranchus spinosus]
Description
The Magnificent Feather Duster Worm is often mistaken for a sea anemone due to its beautiful, feathery gills which are used for feeding and respiration. This species inhabits sandy bottoms and coral reefs, often burrowing into live hard coral. The worm creates a tube to live in, which is made from a tough, leathery substance secreted by the worm. The tube is open at one end, and the worm can quickly retract into the tube if it feels threatened.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Sabellida
Sabellida
|
| Family |
Serpulids
Serpulidae
|
| Genus |
Spirobranchus
Spirobranchus
|