Pseudobranchiomma longa

Pseudobranchiomma longa is a species of marine polychaete worms in the family Sabellidae.[1] It is known as a feather-duster worm or a giant fanworm.[2]

Pseudobranchiomma longa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Annelida
Class:
Polychaeta
Order:
Sabellida
Family:
Sabellidae
Genus:
Sabellastarte
Species:
P. longa
Binomial name
Pseudobranchiomma longa
(Kinberg, 1866)[1]

Description

Feather-duster worms grow to up to 15 cm in total length. They are attractive fanworms with their heads modified for feeding. Two large spiral whorls in yellow, red, white or purple extend from a tube and retract rapidly if disturbed.[2].

Distribution

These animals are found off the southern African coast from the Cape Peninsula in South Africa to Mozambique, as well as off Madagascar. They are found intertidally to at least 200m underwater.[2]


Ecology

The tube is built from food particles too large to eat and is cemented together with mucus.[2]

Synonyms

The following species are synonyms of Pseudobranchiomma longa:[1]

  • Sabellastarte longa (Kinberg, 1866) (objective synonym)
  • Sabella longa Kinberg, 1866 (objective synonym)
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References
  1. http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1397711 accessed 7 January 2020
  2. 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 ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
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