Feather Duster Worm

Common Name: Feather Duster Worm

Scientific Name: Eudistylia polymorpha

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family: Animalia, Annelida, Polychaeta, Canalipalpata, Sabellidae

Diet: Suspension feeders

Habitat: Translucent tube attaches to rocks, pilings, harbors, tide pools

Range: Pacific coast from Alaska to San Pedro, California

Identification: 10 inches long, tan colored tube encrusted with sand/shell, red/purple/white/tan colored feathery gills

Reproduction: Broadcast spawning (discharge fertile sperm and eggs into water)

Behavior: May occur in large groups. It has small eyespots to detect shadows