European fan worm

Sabella spallanzanii

Description:

tube worm; "vermes-tubícolas" "The European fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii) is one of the largest species in the family Sabellidae with a leathery tube and spiral feeding fan that can reach 10 to 15cm in diameter. The tube can protrude up to 40cm above the sediment and bury as deep as 10cm into the sediment. Sabella commonly forms clumps of two or more individuals, creating a canopy of feeding fans that stretches over the sediment (O’Brien Ross and Keough 2006). This tube-dwelling worm remains inside its tube and extends a fan-like crown of tentacles through the opening of its tube. When the worm is disturbed it withdraws into the tube and closes the end off. The tube is often covered with encrusting or fouling organisms and the fan colour varies from white and pale fawn through to orange and banded red-brown (CSIRO 2001). The crown is composed of two lobes, only one of which is spiralled (NIMPIS 2002)."

Habitat:

Marine habitats "The European fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii) demonstrates a clear preference for growth in sheltered, nutrient-enriched waters (Currie McArthur and Cohen 2000). It is generally found in shallow subtidal areas in depths from 1 to 30m (CSIRO 2001). In shallow waters, worms are solitary and commonly found growing on a wide range of solid surfaces, including artificial materials (rocks, concrete, wood, steel), and benthic organisms (ascidians, mussels, oysters) (Currie McArthur and Cohen 2000). Although S. Spallanzanii is a fouling organism of artificial docks and pylons it is not a typical or common fouler of ship hulls (Giangrande et al. 2000). However, it has been observed attached to the hulls of moored vessels including car ferries, fishing boats and pleasure craft (Currie Pers. Obs. In Currie McArthur and Cohen 2000). It is also found on wharf piles and facings, channel markers, marina piles and pontoons, and submerged wrecks (CSIRO 2001)."