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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Mediterranean fanworm

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

The Mediterranean fanworm is impossible to miss when it spreads its broad, colourful spiral above the seabed. Living inside its tube, it continually filters water for food particles. A gentle approach allows this spectacular inhabitant to be admired before it withdraws.

Habitat de Mediterranean fanworm Habitat
Sand, Detrital bottom, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Mediterranean fanworm Depth
3-40 m
Groupe biologique de Mediterranean fanworm Group
Worm
Rôle écologique de Mediterranean fanworm Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Mediterranean fanworm is a marine worm living in a long, flexible tube attached to the seabed. What immediately catches the eye is its broad spiral-shaped plume composed of numerous feathery structures. This often colourful plume opens like a fan and instantly withdraws into the tube at the slightest danger. The whole can reach several tens of centimetres in length.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is found attached to soft seabeds or hard supports such as rocks, quays or wrecks. It favours areas rich in suspended particles, often in sheltered environments such as harbours or slightly silty areas, generally between a few metres and several tens of metres deep.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The Mediterranean fanworm feeds by filtering water. Its plume catches microscopic suspended particles such as plankton and organic debris, then directs them towards its mouth.

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Other species — Worm

Green Spoon Worm Smooth fanworm Red fanworm Peacock worm Clustered tubeworm

Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Detrital seabed species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

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