tiki Ryan Photographic - Terebellidae - Spaghetti worms


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Family Terebellidae

The family Terebellidae contains around 400 species in around 80 genera. Their common name of spaghetti worn stems from the long tentacles which they extend from their burrow to locate and return food to the mouth. Surface cilia on the tentacles transport the food. Depending upon the species, tentacles can measure several meters. Despite what the Wikipedia entry says about spaghetti worms, the tentacles are retractable. They do not retract immediately when touched, it requires several stimuli before they do so. When highly stimulated the tentacles retract rapidly. It takes some time (and energy) to fully deploy the tentacles so non-retraction in response to slight stimuli makes sense.


Eupolymnia nebulosa? Spaghetti worm

Eupolymnia nebulosa maybe Belize

Eupolymnia nebulosa? Belize


Loimia medusa Spaghetti worm

Loimia medusa Spaghetti worm, Kri, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_3884

Loimia medusa Spaghetti worm, Kri, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_3884


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