Polychaete Collection (page 3)

Fan worms. Close-up of the tentacled heads of a colony of Sabellastarte sp. fan worms. These polychaete tube worms live in tubes using their tentacles to catch food particles as they float by

King ragworm
Kingragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Spaghetti worm cocoon
Spaghetti worm (Cirratulus cirratus) cocoon. Spaghetti worms are polychaetes, which are a class of marine annelid (segmented) worm

Spaghetti worm. Close-up of the tentacled polychaete marine worm (Cirratulus cirratus)

Marine worm. Close-up of the head of a polychaete marine worm (Lepidonotus squamatus). Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms

Polychaete marine worm on a sponge
Polychaete marine worm (Lepidonotus squamatus) on a natural sponge. Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Marine worm fluorescing. Image showing the ability of the polychaete marine worm Lepidonotus squamatus to fluoresce. Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms

Feather duster worm. Close-up of the tentacled polychaete (marine annelid) worm Branchiomma arctica. These worms live in tubes made out of sand, and bits of shell and other debris

Polychaete trochophore larva, SEM
Polychaete trochophore larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a polychaete trochophore larva found in a sample of zooplankton

Amphitrite worm. Close-up of the tentacles of an Amphitrite sp. polychaete (marine annelid) worm. Amphitrites are surface deposit feeders

Polychaete marine worm (Phyllodoce groenlandica). Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Trumpet worm. Underside of the marine annelid worm Pectinaria koreni, a type of fanworm. Fanworms live in tubes built out of sand and other bits of debris found on the sea floor

Bobbit worm with its jaws extended. Bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois) are aggressive predatory polychaete worms that use their huge jaws (grey) to snatch at passing fish

Bristle worm. Polychaete marine worm (Brada villosa) with its tentacles retracted. This worm is a surface deposit feeder. It catches falling particles with numerous tentacles (not seen)

Feather Duster Worm (Species unknown) Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Tubeworm, Sabellastarte sp. Monkey beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

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"Exploring the Enigmatic World of Polychaetes: Unveiling Nature's Underwater Wonders" Dive into the mesmerizing world of polychaetes, a diverse group of marine worms that never cease to amaze scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. With their intricate features and fascinating behaviors, these creatures have captivated researchers worldwide. In one corner of the laboratory, a scientist delicately examines a ragworm specimen under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The image reveals the intricate mouth structure of this remarkable creature, showcasing its unique adaptations for feeding and survival. Venturing beyond the lab, we find ourselves in New Caledonia, where hard coral reefs thrive. Amongst vibrant corals like Porites lutea, Christmas-tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) create an enchanting sight with their colorful spiraling crowns. These delicate creatures are true masters at filtering nutrients from passing currents. Traveling further across oceans brings us to Rinca Island in Indonesia. Here lies a breathtaking scene featuring feather duster worms (Sabellidae), gracefully swaying in harmony with the underwater current. Their kaleidoscopic beauty is captured through an ethereal image of Variegated feather dusters (Bispira variegata), leaving us awestruck by nature's artistry. Meanwhile, off the Atlantic coast resides another intriguing species – Atlantic Palolo (Eunice fucata). This worm emerges from her burrow during specific lunar cycles to seek food before swiftly retreating back into her hidden sanctuary. Witnessing this synchronized dance between biology and celestial rhythms is truly awe-inspiring. The Philippines also boasts its own array of captivating polychaete species. In Puerto Galera's crystal-clear waters, Variegated feather duster worms (Bispira variegata) adorn rocky surfaces like living tapestries while Magnificent feather duster worms (Protula magnifica) create a spectacle with their vibrant plumes.