Sabellids are tubeworms that can project the feathery radioles outside of their soft tube. These radioles branchiae resemble a fan or a feather duster. They are used for breathing and to capture food particles from the water column. They may vary in size from a few millimetres up to 40 cm. Generally, they are found both on hard and in soft bottoms.

Characteristics

Sabellidae, also known as fanworms or feather duster worms, are tube dwellers with a tube made of secreted mucus and sediment particles. They extend the feathery branchiae, called radioles, outside of their tube for breathing and to capture food particles from the water column. They can also retract very fast inside the tube when they feel in danger.

Recommended citation

Capa M. Sabellidae Latreille, 1825. www.artsdatabanken.no/Pages/313958. Downloaded <year-month-day>.