Northwest Dive Club

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?


Tube worm by decidedlyodd, on Flickr


Tube Worm by decidedlyodd, on Flickr


Tube Worm by decidedlyodd, on Flickr

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.