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Maria's Feather Duster Worm
Bispira mariae
42.6532, 18.0615
Field Notes
Description:
Bispira mariae is a species of marine polychaete worm belonging to the family Sabellidae. Commonly referred to as Maria's Sabella or Maria's Feather Duster Worm, this species is known for its beautiful, feather-like radioles which it uses for filter feeding.
The worm lives in a tube made of mucus and sediment, which it secretes and builds. The tube is often buried in sand or attached to a hard substrate, with only the crown of radioles visible. The most distinctive feature of Bispira mariae is its crown of radioles (feather-like structures) that protrude from its tube. These radioles are usually brightly colored, often in hues of red, orange, purple, or white, making the worm visually striking. The radioles can extend several centimeters out of the tube, although the worm itself is much longer, living mostly within its protective tube.
Habitat:
Bispira mariae is commonly found in the Mediterranean, and in Adiatic in particular. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, to down to 30m of depth, often in seagrass beds and rocky substrates. The areas rich in Posidonia oceanica, a type of seagrass, provide an ideal environment for these worms.
Notes:
1.) A huge thank you to Laura Wheadon, my diving instructor, who also captured videos of our dives, resulting in these images.
2.) Bispira mariae is a filter feeder. It extends its radioles into the water column to capture plankton and suspended particles, which are then transported to its mouth by ciliary action. By filtering the water, Bispira mariae plays a significant role in maintaining water quality and clarity in its habitat. This helps support the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
3.) While not currently listed as endangered, the habitats of Bispira mariae, such as seagrass meadows and coastal areas, face threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting these habitats indirectly benefit the species.
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