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Tubeworm
Protula magnifica
13.7555, 120.91
Field Notes
Description:
This large serpulid worm, which is probably the largest of calcareous tube worms, lives inside a hard white tube and is a suspension feeder. It has a double-headed set of gills, but lacks an operculum (trap door) to seal off the top entrance of the tube. Its tentacle crown approaches 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, and its tube can be almost 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length.
When it felt threatened, it will retracts its feathery suspension feeder and will re-emerge after a few minutes.
Habitat:
This species is usually found inhabiting shady rocky regions on current-swept reef slopes, where its calcareous tube is cemented to various types of substrate.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedOctober 26, 2014
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