Characteristics
Sabellids are typically characterized by their elongated body, which is divided into two main regions: a thorax and an abdomen. The thorax is often wider than the abdomen and bears the distinctive crown of tentacles. The abdomen is typically thinner and often contains the worm's reproductive organs. Sabellids possess a chitinous tube, which they secrete to provide a protective covering. This tube can be quite elaborate and can be attached to rocks, corals, or other surfaces.
Environments
Sabellids are found in a wide variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Subtidal zones
- Coral reefs
- Deep sea environments
They are particularly common in areas with high water currents, where they can efficiently filter food particles from the water.
Feeding
Sabellids are filter feeders, meaning that they capture food particles from the surrounding water. They use their crown of tentacles to filter food from the water, trapping particles on the surface of the tentacles. The food particles are then transported to the mouth, where they are ingested. Sabellids are generally omnivorous and feed on a variety of materials, including:
- Phytoplankton
- Zooplankton
- Detritus
Reproduction
Sabellids are typically dioecious, meaning that they have separate sexes. Reproduction is usually sexual, and fertilization occurs externally in the water column. Sabellid larvae are planktonic and drift with the currents for a period of time before settling to the bottom and developing into adults.
References
Further information on Sabellidae can be found on the following websites:
