Colonial Sand Tube Worm

Phragmatopoma californica

Colonial Sand Tube Worm

Group: Other
Typical depth: 0–72 m
Max size: 1.2 cm

This worm builds its home from sand, cementing grains into a tough tube and gathering by the thousand to form honeycomb reefs against rock. It favours places with plenty of shifting sand to supply building material, and its swimming larvae sample the bottom for the right chemical cue before settling.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Annelida › Polychaeta › Sabellariidae › Phragmatopoma

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 334501.

FAQ

How deep does the Colonial Sand Tube Worm live?: The Colonial Sand Tube Worm (Phragmatopoma californica) is typically found at 0–72 m.
How big does the Colonial Sand Tube Worm get?: The Colonial Sand Tube Worm grows to about 1.2 cm.