This worm has a complex taxonomic history. It was known as Sabellastarte sanctijosephi when it first appeared in Hawaii in the … Meer weergeven

This large worm can reach 80 millimetres (3.1 in) millimetres in length and 10–12 millimetres (0.39–0.47 in) in width. It is buff in colour with purple specks. It lives in a tough, leathery tube covered with fine mud. Proj… Meer weergeven

The native range of S. spectabilis is the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, but it is now also found on the coasts of Africa and Mozambique and the Gulf of Mexico. In 2002 it was reported on pilings, floating doc… Meer weergeven

S. spectabilis is found in holes and cracks and among algae on reefs and rocky shores. It is sometimes found growing in crevices in the coral Pocillopora meandrina, under boulders in still water, in holes in lava, in tida… Meer weergeven

S. spectabilis is a filter feeder. Cilia on the tentacles cause currents in the water and organic particles are caught as they float past. They are channelled along mucus-filled grooves to the mouth. Larger non-food parti… Meer weergeven