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Protula bispiralis
Protula bispiralis (Savigny, 1822)
Red fanworm
photo by Ryan, Paddy

Family:  Serpulidae ()
Max. size: 
Environment:  sessile; marine; depth range 3 - 10 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Body is 6 to 10 cm in length, including the worm tube; diameter can reach 20 cm when the two branchial crowns fully open. The branchial crown is made up of white radioles (can reach up to 80) arranged in three spiral whorls, each covered with closely packed small cilia. Crown is white, and base varies from red to pink.
Biology:  In coral sand and rock crevices (Ref. 107830). Occur in shallow waters, from depths of 3 to 10 meters. Filter feeder. Sensitive to water movement and fluctuation in light intensity. Easily retracts into its calcareous tube when it detects movement nearby (Ref. 125532).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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