Sabellastarte
Sabellastarte is a genus of marine polychaete worms in the family Sabellidae. The genus is distributed worldwide, with species found in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and soft sediment bottoms. Some species are important members of benthic ecosystems, playing a role in sediment deposition and nutrient cycling.
Common Names
Common names for species within the genus Sabellastarte vary depending on location and language. Some examples include:
- Fanworm
- Feather Duster Worm
- Christmas Tree Worm
Characteristics
Sabellastarte species are characterized by their distinctive fan-shaped feeding appendages, known as radioles. These radioles are arranged in a spiral pattern and are covered in cilia, which create currents that draw food particles into the mouth. The radioles are also used for respiration and defense. Sabellastarte worms have a tube-dwelling lifestyle, constructing tubes from secreted mucus and sediment. These tubes can be found attached to rocks, coral, or buried in the sediment.
Environments
Sabellastarte species are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow intertidal zones to deep-sea habitats. They are typically found in areas with moderate to high water flow and abundant food sources. Some species are tolerant of a wide range of salinity and temperature conditions.
References
For more information on Sabellastarte, consult the following resources: