Serpula vermicularis (Serpulid worm)

Identification

Tube worm that lives in a tube, attached to hard substrates. The tube is often slightly bent, not coiled. The head of the worm has a plume of about 40 feather-like radioles projecting from the second segment, or peristomium, which also houses the two eyes and the mouth. The radioles are bipinnate and covered with fine cilia (hairs). They are commonly red or pink and have a broad white band. A funnel-shaped lid – called the operculum – covers the entrance to the tube when the animal retracts inside. This lid has up to 160 fine creases around its edge and is symmetrical and usually red. It is sometimes divided into two.

Status

Unassessed by the IUCN Red list, but a widespread species.

Habitat

It is widely distributed throughout the European Atlantic, Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacifc. It can be found on hard substrates such as rocks or boulders, but also the shells of bivalves, in a depth range of 0-100 meters.

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction. The larvae form remain planktonic for about two months before settling on the seabed. Once settled, the tubes can grow up to 1cm a month. They mature in 10 months and can live for several years.

Size

Size refers to tube size. Up t0 20cm., but usually smaller.

Prey / Predation

Serpulid worms are filter feeders. They use their radioles for feeding, (as well as gills), spreading them in the water current to catch particles.

Special features

There is not much information available on serpulid worms, making identification tentative.