Pelia
Pelia is a genus of marine polychaete worms in the family Pectinariidae. These worms are commonly known as “sand-mason worms” due to their unique ability to construct tubes from sand grains. They are found in a variety of marine environments, particularly in coastal areas with sandy bottoms.
Characteristics
Pelia worms possess several distinguishing features, including:
- Tube construction: They construct tubes by cementing sand grains together, creating a protective shell.
- Body shape: Pelia worms are elongated and segmented, with a distinct head region bearing tentacles.
- Feeding: They are suspension feeders, using their tentacles to capture food particles from the water.
- Reproduction: Pelia worms are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes.
Environments
Pelia worms are primarily found in shallow, sandy marine environments. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinity levels, making them adaptable to various coastal habitats.
Species
The genus Pelia contains several species, including:
- Pelia curta
- Pelia mucronata
- Pelia polybranchia
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)