Tube Worm

Hydroides elegans

Tube worms are fascinating creatures that live deep in the ocean. They build long tubes out of minerals and can survive in extreme conditions where other animals can't. These worms don't have eyes or mouths but can still thrive in their unique underwater homes.

Hábitat: Deep Sea

Aspecto

The Tube Worm has a hard, white, calcium carbonate tube, often coiled or twisted, with a feathery crown of colorful tentacles. Its crown can display vibrant shades of orange, red, or white, extending from the tube's opening to filter food.

ReinoAnimaliaFiloAnnelidaClasePolychaetaOrdenSabellidaFamiliaSerpulidaeGéneroHydroides

Tube Worm

Categoría

Invertebrate

Rareza

Common

Peligro

1/5 · Muy bajo

Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Despite being stuck in one spot, their babies can swim freely to new homes.

If danger approaches, they can instantly pull their feathery head into their tube!

These worms make their own strong, chalky homes to stay safe from hungry fish.

Tube worms help keep ocean water clean by filtering tiny bits of food from it.

Habilidades especiales

Tube Worm can quickly build a strong, protective tube made of calcium carbonate that helps them anchor securely to surfaces.

Tube Worm can instantly retract its delicate feathery crown into its hard tube to escape danger.

Tube Worm can regrow its feathery crown if it's damaged or lost, helping it recover from attacks.

Medidas y detalles

Longitud: 3 cm
Peso: 0.5 g
Esperanza de vida: 2 años

Dieta y alimentación

These worms filter tiny plankton and organic particles from the water.

Diferencias por edad: null

Alimentos principales

phytoplankton
zooplankton larvae
detritus
dissolved organic matter

Método de búsqueda

Filter Feeding

Conexiones ecológicas

eats

White Sea Bream

Diplodus sargus

Fish graze on their exposed feathery crowns.

eats

European Green Crab

Carcinus maenas

Crabs dislodge and consume the worms from surfaces.

eats

Sea Urchin

Paracentrotus lividus

Sea urchins can scrape and consume their calcified tubes.

Rasgos

Camuflado

El camuflaje describe a los organismos que poseen colores o patrones que les permiten mezclarse con su entorno.

Mar profundo

Los hábitats de aguas profundas se caracterizan por presión extrema, oscuridad y temperaturas frías, y sustentan formas de vida únicas debajo de la zona iluminada por el sol.