How big is the Slime tube worm?

Slime tube worm (Myxicola infundibulum) reaches 10–25 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Slime tube worm?

Slime tube worm is found between 1–50 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Slime tube worm?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Slime tube worm?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Slime tube worm (Myxicola infundibulum)

Key facts

Scientific name: Myxicola infundibulum
Common name: Slime tube worm
Category: Worms
Family: Sabellidae
Genus: Myxicola
Size: 10–25 cm
Depth: 1–50 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: sandy-bottom, rocky-reef
Behaviours: benthic, solitary
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Myxicola infundibulum reaches 25 cm. Sabellid polychaete worm (Sabellidae) Mediterranean and East Atlantic with body hidden in long gelatinous transparent to yellowish tube buried in sediment, projecting large radiole crown in open funnel (hence infundibulum) brown-green to purple-gray, with thin edge. Lives from 1 to 50 m on sandy, muddy bottoms and near rocky reefs. Retracts instantly into gelatinous tube which it closes completely. Common Mediterranean dive photo subject, approach challenge to capture open crown.

Photo of Slime tube worm

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Slime tube worm?: Slime tube worm (Myxicola infundibulum) reaches 10–25 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Slime tube worm?: Slime tube worm is found between 1–50 m deep.
Is the Slime tube worm dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Slime tube worm?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Slime tube worm?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Sabellidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 130932)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2329277)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia