More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Segmented Worms of Zihuatanejo
PHYLUM ANNELIDA
Parchment Tube Worm
Chaetopteridae (Family)
-Segmented Worms (Phylum Annelida)
-Polychaete Worms (Class Polychaeta)
-Sedentary and Tube-dwelling Bristleworms (Subclass Sedentaria)
-Parchment Tubeworms (Family Chaetopteridae)
Parchment tubeworms (family Chaetopteridae) are a group of marine polychaete worms best known for living inside tough, flexible, parchment-like tubes that they construct from mucus and sediment. These tubes are typically U-shaped or gently curved and are embedded in sand, mud, or attached to hard substrates. parchment tubeworms have a reduced head with feeding structures, while the rear portion helps anchor the animal securely within its tube.
Description
• Chaetopteridae is a family of marine segmented worms commonly known as parchment-tube worms. They have elongated, distinctly segmented bodies with specialised regions adapted for burrowing, pumping water and collecting food. Most live inside flexible, U-shaped or curved tubes made from a tough, parchment-like secretion. Their bodies often include specialised bristles and appendages that help generate water currents and collect suspended food particles.
Range
• Chaetopteridae occurs in marine waters worldwide, from tropical to temperate regions. Members of this family are present in the coastal waters of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
• These worms typically live in tubes buried in sand or mud, or attached to other submerged surfaces. They are commonly associated with sheltered coastal habitats, including bays, sandy bottoms and muddy sediments. Their tubes provide protection while allowing water to circulate through them for feeding and respiration.
Diet
• Chaetopterids are generally suspension feeders that capture plankton and fine organic particles from water drawn through their tubes. Depending on the species, specialised body regions produce mucus nets or other structures that trap food, which is then transported to the mouth.