More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Segmented Worms of Zihuatanejo
PHYLUM ANNELIDA
Sabellidae Feather Duster Worms
Sabellidae (Family)
-Segmented Worms (Phylum Annelida)
-Polychaete Worms (Class Polychaeta)
-Infraclass Canalipalpata
-Order Sabellida
-Feather Duster Worms (Family Sabellidae)
-Subfamily Sabellinae
The Sabellidae family consists of marine polychaete worms, commonly known as feather duster worms. These worms are sessile (fixed in place) and are famous for their beautiful, feathery branchial crowns, which they use for filter feeding. Sabellids construct protective tubes made of mucus and sediment that they retreat into when threatened.
Description
• Sabellidae is a family of marine segmented worms commonly known as feather-duster worms. They have soft, elongated bodies that usually live inside protective tubes made from mucus-bound sediment or other materials. A prominent crown of feathery tentacles extends from the head, providing a surface for filter-feeding and gas exchange. Many species can rapidly withdraw their crowns into their tubes when disturbed.
Range
• Sabellidae occurs in marine waters worldwide, from tropical to polar regions. Members of this family are present in the coastal waters of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
• Sabellid worms inhabit a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, coral reefs, sandy and muddy seafloors, and submerged structures. Their tubes may be attached to rocks, shells, coral or artificial surfaces, or embedded in soft sediment. They extend their tentacle crowns into the water when feeding.
Diet
• Sabellidae are primarily suspension feeders, capturing microscopic plankton, bacteria and fine organic particles from the water with their feathery tentacles. Cilia move captured food along the tentacles towards the mouth, while unwanted particles may be rejected.