Common name: Segmented Worms
Annelida, commonly known as segmented worms, is a diverse phylum that includes over 22,000 species, ranging from terrestrial earthworms to aquatic polychaetes. These creatures are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are divided into ring-like segments called annuli. Each segment contains elements of the nervous, excretory, and circulatory systems, allowing for greater flexibility and mobility.
In the context of marine aquariums, polychaetes are the most relevant group within Annelida. These marine worms are often found in live rock and sand substrates, playing crucial roles in the ecosystem. They contribute to the breakdown of organic material and help maintain a healthy substrate by aerating it and facilitating nutrient cycling. Some species, like the feather duster worms, are popular among aquarists for their decorative appearance and can be intentionally added to tanks for their beauty and ecological benefits.
However, not all annelids are desirable in aquariums. Some, such as the bristle worms, can become pests if their populations grow unchecked. While they are excellent scavengers and help clean up detritus, their bristles can irritate fish and corals, and large populations can indicate overfeeding or other imbalances in the tank.
Annelids are fascinating not only for their ecological roles but also for their regenerative abilities. Many species can regenerate lost segments, which is a subject of scientific interest. For aquarists, understanding the balance of beneficial and potentially problematic annelids is key to maintaining a thriving marine environment.
- Common name: King RagwormScientific name: Alitta virens
- Common name: Social feather dusterScientific name: Bispira brunnea
- Common name: Banded FanwormScientific name: Bispira melanostigma
- Common name: Social Feather DusterScientific name: Bispira tricyclia
- Common name: Feather Duster WormScientific name: Bispira viola
- Common name: Twin fan wormScientific name: Bispira volutacornis
- Common name: green spoon wormScientific name: Bonellia viridis
- Common name: Green Leaf WormScientific name: Eulalia viridis
- Common name: Norwegian Sea WormScientific name: Eunice norvegica
- Common name: Nebulous Terebellid WormScientific name: Eupolymnia nebulosa
- Common name: St. Joseph's CardinalfishScientific name: Eurato sanctijosephi
- Common name: Common FirewormScientific name: Eurythoe complanata
- Common name: Tangled TubewormScientific name: Filograna implexa
- Common name: Filogranella elatensisScientific name: Filogranella elatensis
- Common name: Unicorn WormScientific name: Glycera unicornis
- Common name: Sponge WormScientific name: Haplosyllis spongicola
- Common name: bearded firewormScientific name: Hermodice carunculata
- Common name: Scale WormScientific name: Lepidonotus clava
- Common name: Medusa WormScientific name: Loimia medusa
- Common name: Red Feather DusterScientific name: Myxicola infundibulum
- Common name: Slender RagwormScientific name: Nereis pelagica
- Common name: Clam WormScientific name: Nereis vexillosa
- Common name: Oenone fulgidaScientific name: Oenone fulgida
- Common name: Bristle WormScientific name: Phyllodoce lamelligera
- Common name: hard tube coco wormScientific name: Protula bispiralis
- Common name: Mediterranean FanwormScientific name: Sabella fallax
- Common name: feather dusterScientific name: Sabellastarte magnifica
- Common name: Indian feather duster wormScientific name: Sabellastarte spectabilis
- Common name: Coral wormScientific name: Salmacina dysteri
- Common name: tubewormScientific name: Serpula vermicularis
- Common name: Christmas Tree WormScientific name: Spirobranchus corniculatus
- Common name: Christmas Tree WormScientific name: Spirobranchus giganteus