Eupolymnia
Eupolymnia is a genus of marine polychaete worms in the family Terebellidae. These worms are commonly known as “sand-mason worms” or “tube-dwelling worms” due to their characteristic habit of building elaborate tubes from sand grains and other materials.
Characteristics
Eupolymnia worms are typically characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies, which can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They possess a distinct head with a pair of long, branched tentacles used for feeding and sensing their surroundings. These tentacles are often covered in cilia, which help to direct food particles towards the mouth. The body of Eupolymnia worms is also covered in bristles called setae, which assist in locomotion and anchoring the worm within its tube.
Environments
Eupolymnia species are found in a variety of marine environments, including intertidal zones, subtidal areas, and even deep-sea habitats. They are often found buried in sediment or within the crevices of rocks, where they construct their distinctive tube-like dwellings. These tubes can be composed of sand grains, shell fragments, or other debris, and serve as a protective shelter for the worm.
Common Names
Eupolymnia worms are commonly referred to as "sand-mason worms" or "tube-dwelling worms" due to their characteristic habit of building tubes from sand grains and other materials.
References
* WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species* PubMed - National Library of Medicine