Tube Worms

Fish & Invertebrate sightings and descriptions, hosted by resident NWDC ID expert Janna Nichols (nwscubamom).
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DecidedlyOdd
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Tube Worms

Post by DecidedlyOdd »

It seemed like there were more tube worms than usual around Cove 2 yesterday. The additional working distance of the lens/port combo I was trying out was also much more effective at not scaring them off, so maybe I'm just biased. Either way, I got some interesting shots.

Each of these has what looks like a little horn sticking out. Does anybody know the biology of this? Also, can anybody provide a more specific ID for these?

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Tube worm by decidedlyodd, on Flickr

Image
Tube Worm by decidedlyodd, on Flickr

Image
Tube Worm by decidedlyodd, on Flickr
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LCF
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Re: Tube Worms

Post by LCF »

I believe that is a calcareous tubeworm, Serpula columbiana. And although I'm not sure, I think from the descriptions that the cone-shaped plug at the end of a stalk is the animal's operculum.
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dwashbur
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Re: Tube Worms

Post by dwashbur »

I can't give the exact species, but the thing you asked about is indeed an operculum. When the worm pulls in, that plugs the tube.

Those are exquisite pictures!
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LeslieH
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Re: Tube Worms

Post by LeslieH »

First & second images show Serpula columbiana; the third is Crucigera zygophora. You can tell the difference by the shape of the structure where the operculum joins the stalk. In Serpula the operculum & stalk merge with just a slight constriction but in Crucigera there's 2 to 4 lobes.
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dwashbur
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Re: Tube Worms

Post by dwashbur »

I love tubeworms of all shapes, sizes and colors. One of these days I want to do a dive at Les Davis and shoot nothing but the unbelievable variety of tubeworms. Such simple creatures to produce such diverse beauty!
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LCF
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Re: Tube Worms

Post by LCF »

Leslie, thank you! I would never have paid enough attention to notice that they were not all the same species. Now I'll know to look more closely at the ones I see underwater.
"Sometimes, when your world is going sideways, the second best thing to everything working out right, is knowing you are loved..." ljjames
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Scubie Doo
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Re: Tube Worms

Post by Scubie Doo »

Those are beautiful. That first one is really nice. I like the dark contrast on the bottom of the photo. I love seeing awesome photos of common critters.
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