New Zealand Tubeworm [Ficopomatus marenzelleri]
Description
This species is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in estuaries and harbors. The New Zealand Tubeworm constructs tubes from calcium carbonate and tends to build large, reef-like colonies. They have a crown of tentacles used for filter feeding that can be retracted into the tube for protection. They are tolerant of a wide range of salinities, but prefer brackish waters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Terebellida
Terebellida
|
| Family |
Feather Duster Worms
Serpulidae
|
| Genus |
Ficopomatus
Ficopomatus
|