Protula bispiralis
Appearance
Protula bispiralis | |
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Species: | P. bispiralis
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Protula bispiralis |
Protula bispiralis, commonly known as the red fanworm or as a mopworm, is a species of marine polychaete worm in the family Serpulidae.[1]
Description
Red fanworms have bodies which grow to 65mm in a tube of up to 10mm in diameter. They are lovely fanworms, having a white shell-like tube and two bright orange-red spirals of feathery branches protruding from it.[2]
Distribution
These animals are found off the southern African coast from Cape Point to Durban, subtidally and to at least 25m.[2]
Ecology
These animals grow under boulders or crevices, and are often seen on vertical rock faces. They use their feeding crowns to catch microplankton.[2]
Synonyms
The following species are synonyms of Protula bispiralis:[1]
- Protula (Philippiprotula) magnifica Straughan, 1967 (subjective synonym)
- Protula magnifica Straughan, 1967 (subjective synonym)
- Serpula (Spiramella) bispiralis Savigny, 1822 (objective synonym)
- Serpula bispiralis Savigny, 1822 (objective synonym)
- Spiramella bispiralis (Savigny, 1822) (objective synonym)
References
- ^ a b c http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=209958 accessed 28 October 2013
- ^ a b c 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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