South African parchment tube worm [Mesochaetopterus capensis]
Description
Mesochaetopterus capensis, or the South African parchment tube worm, is a marine polychaete worm species native to the waters off the South African coast. It is known for its distinctive segmented body and tentacled head. The species inhabits sandy substrates in coastal waters and estuaries, where it constructs its characteristic tubes. It is a filter feeder, using its tentacles to capture organic particles suspended in the water.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Spionida
Spionida
|
| Family |
Longhorned Bristleworms
Chaetopteridae
|
| Genus |
Mesochaetopterus
Mesochaetopterus
|