Common name: tubeworm
General information
Serpula vermicularis, commonly known as the European calcareous tubeworm or feather duster worm, is a species of segmented marine worm belonging to the family Serpulidae. These worms are known for their beautiful, fan-like crowns which they use for feeding and respiration. The crown, or radioles, can come in a variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, or white, making them an attractive addition to the marine aquarium.
The calcareous tube that Serpula vermicularis constructs is a unique feature, providing the worm with protection from predators and environmental stress. These tubes can become encrusted with coralline algae, blending into the reef environment.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Planktonivore Filter feeds on plankton.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSegmented WormsAnnelida
- ClassPolychaetesPolychaeta
- OrderFeather Duster WormsSabellida
- FamilyChristmas Tree WormsSerpulidae
- GenusSerpulaSerpula
- SpeciestubewormSerpula vermicularis Linnaeus, 1767
- SynonymsSerpula aspera Philippi, 1844Serpula contorcuplicata Linnaeus, 1758Serpula crater Claparède, 1870Serpula cristata Sowerby & Sowerby, 1820-25Serpula echinata Gmelin, 1791Serpula fascicularis Lamarck, 1818Serpula gervaisii Quatrefages, 1866Serpula interrupta Quatrefages, 1866Serpula montagui Quatrefages, 1866Serpula pallida Philippi, 1844Serpula philippii Mörch, 1863Serpula proboscidea (Bruguière, 1789)Serpula rugosa Turton, 1819Serpula venusta Philippi, 1844Serpula vermicularis echinata Gmelin, 1791Vermilia vermicularis Fleming, 1825
Care
Keeping Serpula vermicularis in a reef aquarium requires stable water conditions and good water quality to mimic their natural habitat. They prefer areas with moderate to strong water flow which helps them capture food particles suspended in the water. It's important to ensure that there are no aggressive tank mates that might damage their delicate crowns.
Feeding these worms consists of providing a steady supply of fine particulate organic matter, such as phytoplankton or specially formulated commercial foods for filter feeders.
Reproduction
In the wild, Serpula vermicularis reproduces by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the aquarium, successful breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.
Symbiosis
While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, Serpula vermicularis contributes to the biodiversity and balance of the reef aquarium by participating in nutrient cycling and providing a unique aesthetic.
Habitat
Serpula vermicularis is found in a range of marine environments from shallow waters to depths of over 200 meters. They are widespread in the Northeast Atlantic, from the Arctic down to the Mediterranean and West Africa. They often attach to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, or man-made structures.