Clustered tubeworm

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean

On a sea fan, rock or wreck, the Clustered tubeworm often resembles a tiny tuft of white threads. A careful look reveals a colony of filter-feeding worms whose delicate plumes appear and disappear at the slightest movement.

Habitat de Clustered tubeworm Habitat
Wreck, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Clustered tubeworm Depth
5-600 m
Groupe biologique de Clustered tubeworm Group
Worm
Rôle écologique de Clustered tubeworm Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Clustered tubeworm forms whitish clumps resembling small tangled tufts. These are actually colonies of worms, each living inside a very thin calcareous tube. Together they create an irregular structure, often attached to a support. When the animals extend their plumes, it takes on a slightly feathery appearance. Each individual can withdraw rapidly inside its tube at the slightest movement.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It grows attached to hard supports: rocks, shells, artificial structures or organisms such as sea fans. It occurs from a few metres deep down to several tens of metres.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds by filtering water. Its little plumes catch suspended particles such as plankton and organic matter, which are then directed towards the mouth.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
  • Infographic and illustrated summary profile
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.

🧠 Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences

From recognition to understanding

After recognising a marine species, watch it in its environment in the diving videos. Articles and learning paths help you understand its habitat and its relationships with other organisms; games help you remember your discoveries.