The Tubeworm. Southern Fanworm – Sabellastarte spectabilis is a striking and fascinating marine invertebrate, commonly found in intertidal and subtidal zones. This species is known for its vibrant, fan-shaped crown of tentacles, which it uses to filter food from the surrounding water.
Description & Characteristics
The Sabellastarte spectabilis, also known as the Southern Fanworm, is a distinctive species that can grow up to 10 cm in length. The worm itself is typically hidden within a leathery tube it secretes, which is often attached to rocks, shells, or other solid substrates. The most prominent feature of the Southern Fanworm is its spectacular crown of tentacles, which can span up to 5 cm in diameter. These tentacles are arranged in a fan-like pattern, creating a mesmerizing display of color and movement.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Tubeworm. Southern Fanworm – Sabellastarte spectabilis is a widespread species, found in various locations around the world. It is typically found in shallow waters, inhabiting intertidal and subtidal zones where currents are moderate. These zones often include rocky shores, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Sabellastarte spectabilis is well-adapted to these environments, utilizing its tube to protect itself from predators and harsh conditions.
Taxonomy
The species Sabellastarte spectabilis belongs to the Class: Polychaeta, Order: Sabellida, and Family: Sabellidae. Polychaetes, commonly known as bristle worms, are a diverse group of segmented worms, characterized by their numerous bristles. The Order Sabellida encompasses tube-dwelling worms, renowned for their beautiful crown-like feeding structures. The Sabellidae family, to which Sabellastarte spectabilis belongs, is a diverse group of fanworms, known for their distinctive fan-shaped tentacles.
Feeding
Sabellastarte spectabilis is a suspension feeder, relying on a diet of microscopic organisms. It uses its fan-shaped crown of tentacles to filter food particles from the water column. The tentacles are covered in cilia, tiny hair-like structures that create currents that draw in water and food particles. These particles, including brine shrimp nauplii, copepods, dust food, phytoplankton, plankton, and zooplankton, are then trapped in mucus on the tentacles and transported to the mouth.
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