Lanice conchilega

Tube of the tree tube worm

The up to 9 cm long tree tube worm ( Lanice conchilega ) builds on sandy seabeds tubes from sediment particles. The tubes are up to 40 cm long and protrude a few centimeters from the ground. There is a network of branches at the top of the tube.

Good to see the approximately 100 tentacles at the head. These are used to catch plankton and Röhrenbau. If the tube is flooded, support the seated at the upper end of the tube " branches ", the tentacles.

The red gill tufts also sit at the head. When contact is made, the worm pulls back deep into its tube and holds on to the lateral bristles.