Tube Worm
ExploreInvertebrate
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.
Habitat: Deep Sea
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumAnnelidaClassPolychaetaOrderSabellidaFamilySerpulidaeGenusHydroides
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
Tube Building Architect
Tube Worm can quickly build a strong, protective tube made of calcium carbonate that helps them anchor securely to surfaces.
Ability
Rapid Retreat
Tube Worm can instantly retract its delicate feathery crown into its hard tube to escape danger.
Ability
Regenerative Crown
Tube Worm can regrow its feathery crown if it's damaged or lost, helping it recover from attacks.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3 cm
- Weight
- 0.5 g
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Diet & Feeding
These worms filter tiny plankton and organic particles from the water.
Age differences: null
Primary Foods
- phytoplankton
- zooplankton larvae
- detritus
- dissolved organic matter
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
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.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Deep Sea
Deep sea habitats are characterized by extreme pressure, darkness, and cold temperatures, supporting unique life forms below the sunlit zone.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Natural
Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Tube worms live in the deep ocean where it's not safe for humans to explore. It's best to admire them from pictures or videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Tube Worm?
3 cm
How much does Tube Worm weigh?
0.5 g
How long does Tube Worm live?
2 years
What does Tube Worm eat?
These worms filter tiny plankton and organic particles from the water.
Where is Tube Worm usually found?
Deep Sea
How does Tube Worm hunt?
Filter Feeding
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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