The Sandworm, King Ragworm, scientifically known as Alitta virens, is a marine polychaete worm that thrives in the diverse environments of the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. These zones encompass the transition from the intertidal, or shoreline, to the continental shelf edge, typically around 200 meters deep. Thus, Alitta virens can be found in a broad range of neritic marine habitats.
Description & Characteristics
Alitta virens is a robust, elongated worm with a segmented body. Its size can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. The body is typically a reddish-brown color with a distinctive, iridescent green sheen. Its head features prominent antennae and palps, and it has a pair of distinct parapodia, or fleshy appendages, on each segment, which aid in movement and respiration.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sandworm, King Ragworm, is a common inhabitant of the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. Alitta virens is often found burrowed in soft sediments, such as sand or mud, in these zones. Their burrows can extend vertically into the sediment, providing shelter and a stable environment. The presence of Alitta virens is a good indicator of healthy marine ecosystems, as they are a crucial part of the food web.
Taxonomy
The species Alitta virens belongs to the Class: Polychaeta, Order: Phyllodocida, and Family: Nereididae. This classification places Alitta virens within a group of segmented worms characterized by their bristle-like structures known as setae.
Feeding
Alitta virens is a scavenger and opportunistic predator. They are known to feed on a wide range of food sources, including algae, carrion, and detritus. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in the decomposition process within marine ecosystems. Alitta virens use their strong jaws and muscular pharynx to capture and consume their prey.
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