Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Smooth fanworm

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean · Indian Ocean · Caribbean Sea

Beneath an overhang or on a rocky wall, the Smooth fanworm draws the eye with its elegant white crown. This double fan captures plankton and provides respiratory exchange. As a diver approaches, it disappears into its calcareous tube in a fraction of a second.

Habitat of Smooth fanworm Habitat
Detrital bottom, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Depth range of Smooth fanworm Depth
0-100 m
Biological group of Smooth fanworm Group
Ecological role of Smooth fanworm Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This species lives in a calcareous tube that it makes itself and which can reach several centimetres. A double-fan-shaped crown, often white, emerges from its end and consists of many thin filaments. These structures provide both breathing and food capture. Unlike some related worms, it has no small lid to close its tube.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives attached to hard supports such as rocks, coralligenous seabeds or other submerged structures. It occurs from shallow water to deeper areas, sometimes beyond one hundred metres.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds by filtering water: its tentacles capture very small organic particles and plankton, which it then directs towards its 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.
Smooth fanworm

Watch this species in filmed dives

Other species — Worm

Red fanworm Clustered tubeworm Mediterranean fanworm Green Spoon Worm Peacock worm

Same habitat and depth

Detrital seabed species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

🧠 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
DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE

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.