Spiral Tube Worm
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Scientific Name
Spirorbis spp. - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification.
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Description
Spirorbis spp. (small round coils). Photo by Carrie Culver © 2008 Regents, University of California.- Small, tube-dwelling, marine worms.
- Forms white calcareous (chalk-like) small spiral-shaped tubes, up to 1/8 of an inch wide.
- When viewed under a microscope, body segments and feather-like tentacles can be seen.
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Habitat
- Common in lower intertidal, and shallow subtidal areas.
- Spiral tubes encrust submerged vegetation including the blades of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) along the California coast.
- Also found settled on rocks, pier pilings, vessel hulls, shells of other animals, etc.
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Invasion Pathways and Distribution
- Spread by attaching to vessel hulls, from which larvae swim to settle on surfaces in marinas
- Found worldwide, including throughout California.
- Native range is unknown.
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Life History
- Filter-feeder, uses feather-like gill tentacles to capture particles in the water.
- Reproduce sexually by releasing sperm and eggs into the water, where they unite to form swimming larvae.
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Impacts
- The chalky tubes form crusts on boat hulls.
- This fouling growth roughens the hull’s surface, creating friction or “drag” that slows sailboats and increases fuel consumption for powerboats.
- Tolerant of copper in antifouling paint, and very difficult to remove.
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References and Useful Links
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