Spirobranchus aloni

, Spirobranchus aloni

Afghanistan, Alaska, Algeria, Andaman and Nicobar, Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Arctic, Argentina, Ascension Island, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores Islands, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Corsica Island, Crete Island, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Equatorial Guinea, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira Islands, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sardinia Island, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Sicily Island, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, US Minor Islands, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

Spirobranchus aloni is a species of marine worm that belongs to the family Serpulidae. This species is commonly known as the “Christmas tree worm” due to its striking appearance.

Description & Characteristics

Spirobranchus aloni, like other members of its genus, is characterized by its two prominent, spiraled radioles (feathery appendages) that extend from its tube. These radioles can reach lengths of up to 2 inches, and they are responsible for filtering food from the water and for providing the worm with protection from predators. The radioles are typically brightly colored, with a variety of shades of red, orange, yellow, and white. The body of the worm is segmented and is concealed within a calcareous tube that it secretes. The tube can reach lengths of up to 3 inches, and it is typically attached to a hard substrate such as rocks, corals, or shells.

Habitat and Occurrence

Spirobranchus aloni is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky shores in tropical and subtropical waters. It can be found in a wide range of depths, from shallow water to depths of over 100 meters. This species is typically found in areas with strong currents and clear water. It is a prevalent presence in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Taxonomy

Spirobranchus aloni is classified within the Class Polychaeta, which includes a diverse group of segmented marine worms. This species belongs to the Order Sabellida, which is comprised of tube-dwelling polychaetes known for their distinctive feeding appendages. Spirobranchus aloni is a member of the Family Serpulidae, which includes many species with characteristic calcareous tubes that provide shelter and protection.

Feeding

Spirobranchus aloni is a filter feeder, meaning it collects its food particles from the surrounding water. It uses its two spiraled radioles to capture small plankton, algae, and other organic debris. The radioles are covered in cilia, hair-like structures that create a current to draw food particles into the worm’s mouth.

Associated Species

Image References

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