Spirobranchus kraussii explained

Spirobranchus kraussii, the blue coral-worm, is a species of marine invertebrate in the family Serpulidae of order Sabellida. It is native to the Indian Ocean.[1]

Synonyms

Distribution

Description

The head has two rows of feathery branches and a stalked operculum with two pointed wings and a flat cap. Length about 15mm and tubes are about 2mm inside diameter.

Habitat

The blue coral-worm builds massive colonies of interwoven calcareous tubes, which can be locally abundant on moderately exposed rocky shores. It is a filter feeder.

Notes and References

  1. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. (2010). Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa Struik Nature, Cape Town.
  2. ten Hove, H. (2010). Spirobranchus kraussii (Baird, 1865). In: Read, G.; Fauchald, K. (Ed.) (2016). World Polychaeta database. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=555934 on 12 June 2016
  3. Web site: Spirobranchus kraussii (Baird, 1865) in GBIF Secretariat (2017). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy.. GBIF. Global Biodiversity Information Facility.