Calcareous tubeworm (Serpula vermicularis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Serpula vermicularis
- Common name
- Calcareous tubeworm
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Serpulidae
- Genus
- Serpula
- Size
- 2–7 cm
- Depth
- 0–250 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Serpula vermicularis reaches 7 cm. Small serpulid polychaete worm (Serpulidae) cosmopolitan temperate with body hidden in sinuous white calcareous tube with rounded section reaching several centimeters, fixed on rocks, shells and hard submerged objects. Projects a radiole fan crown red to orange to yellow, characteristic funnel-shaped operculum. Lives from 0 to 250 m on hard substrates from Mediterranean to North Atlantic. Can form serpulid reefs (biogenic reefs). Classic Mediterranean macro dive photo subject.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Calcareous tubeworm?
- Calcareous tubeworm (Serpula vermicularis) reaches 2–7 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Calcareous tubeworm?
- Calcareous tubeworm is found between 0–250 m deep.
- Is the Calcareous tubeworm dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Calcareous tubeworm?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Calcareous tubeworm?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Serpulidae
- Spirobranchus triqueter - European fanworm
- Filograna implexa - Filigree tubeworm
- Protula tubularia - Pink fanworm
- Salmacina dysteri - Cluster tubeworm
- Spirobranchus giganteus - Christmas tree worm
- Spirobranchus lamarcki - Lamarck's spirograph
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 131051)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 8424445)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia