Verulux
Verulux is a genus of marine polychaetes belonging to the family Terebellidae. These worms are commonly known as “feather duster worms” due to their distinctive feathery tentacles, which are used for filter feeding.
Characteristics
Verulux species are characterized by their long, slender bodies and their distinctive feathery tentacles, which are arranged in a crown around the mouth. These tentacles are covered in cilia, which help to trap food particles from the water column. Verulux worms also have a pair of long, slender palps that are used to sense their surroundings.
Verulux species are typically small, with most species reaching a maximum length of a few centimeters. They have a distinctive "U"-shaped body, with the anterior end being wider than the posterior end. The body is segmented, with each segment bearing a pair of parapodia, which are fleshy appendages that are used for locomotion.
Environments
Verulux species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Subtidal zones
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass meadows
They are typically found in areas with high water flow, where they can efficiently filter food from the water column.
References