Bispira
Bispira is a genus of marine polychaete worms in the family Terebellidae, commonly known as “feather duster worms.” They are characterized by their distinctive feeding apparatus, a crown of radioles, which resemble a feather duster. This crown is used to filter food particles from the surrounding water.
Common Names
These worms are often referred to as "feather duster worms" due to their prominent radioles. Other common names include "tube worms" and "spaghetti worms."
Characteristics
Bispira species are characterized by the following features:
- Tube-dwelling: They live within tubes constructed from secreted mucus and sediment.
- Radioles: They possess a crown of radioles, which are branched feeding appendages used for filtering food.
- Body shape: They have a segmented body, with a distinct head region and a tail end.
- Size: They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length.
- Color: Bispira species can display a variety of colors, including brown, red, orange, and white.
Environment
Bispira species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones: They can be found attached to rocks, shells, and other hard substrates in the intertidal zone.
- Subtidal reefs: They are commonly found on coral reefs and rocky outcrops in shallow to deeper waters.
- Seagrass beds: Some species are associated with seagrass meadows.
References
For more detailed information about Bispira, refer to these reliable sources: