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Schizobranchia insignis (Feather duster worm)
Copyright © 2007
Mary Jo Adams
This tubeworm is found on rocky shores, floats, and pilings, often in aggregations of many individuals. Its leathery tube and feather duster form are characteristics that help identify it as belonging to the polychaete family Sabellidae. The tube may be up to 8 inches (20 cm.) in length with a diameter similar to that of a pencil. The solidly colored plume may be red, orange, brown, gray, or greenish. Branches of the plume fork dichotomously at least once and up to 5 times along their length. This species may be mixed with Eudistylia vancouveri in tubeworm aggregations. Schizobranchia insignis ranges from the intertidal zone to a depth of 150 feet (46 m.). It uses its plume to pick bits of plankton out of the water to feed on.
Other common names include split plume feather duster, plume worm, and fan worm.
This
page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 11/7/08.
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