Lamarck's spirograph (Spirobranchus lamarcki)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Spirobranchus lamarcki
- Common name
- Lamarck's spirograph
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Serpulidae
- Genus
- Spirobranchus
- Size
- 2–4 cm
- Depth
- 0–20 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Spirobranchus lamarcki reaches 4 cm (crown 2 cm). Small serpulid polychaete worm (Serpulidae) Mediterranean and temperate East Atlantic with body hidden in white calcareous tube fixed on rocks, projecting two fan-spiraled crowns with varied vivid colors (orange, red, purple, white, yellow, sometimes variegated), characteristic operculum with spines allowing identification. Lives from 0 to 20 m on rocky reefs and intertidal blocks. Smaller and more discreet than S. giganteus, but sometimes forming dense populations. Mediterranean-East Atlantic macro dive photo subject.
Photo of Lamarck's spirograph
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Lamarck's spirograph?
- Lamarck's spirograph (Spirobranchus lamarcki) reaches 2–4 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Lamarck's spirograph?
- Lamarck's spirograph is found between 0–20 m deep.
- Is the Lamarck's spirograph dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Lamarck's spirograph?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Lamarck's spirograph?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Spirobranchus
Other species in the family Serpulidae
- Filograna implexa - Filigree tubeworm
- Protula tubularia - Pink fanworm
- Salmacina dysteri - Cluster tubeworm
- Serpula vermicularis - Calcareous tubeworm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 560033)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5959024)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia