Loimia medusa displays characteristics which allow it to survive and reproduce in a variety of environmental conditions. Studies have shown that whilst many traits and features of L. medusa typify those of an extreme opportunistic species, it also shares many with those of equilibrium species. Particularly during the summer months L. medusa takes on the lifestyle of an opportunistic species with populations demonstrating extremely rapid growth and maturation, short life spans and a relatively high P/B ratio (Pearson and Rosenberg 1978). On the other hand several aspects of L. medusa’s lifecycle, for example growth to a large size, high fecundity, the absence of intense settlement and low mortality rates and planktonic larvae, are all suggestive of equilibrium species (R. Seitz & L. Schaffner, 1995). 
This intertwining of life strategies highlights that there is no singly dichotomy between either equilibrium and opportunistic species. In the environments in which L. medusa inhabits, such as estuarine or reef systems, an intermediate between being able to take advantage of opportunistic events and those in equilibrium may be the most successful survival strategy. 
Whilst adults of this species are relatively large and dwell deep within the sediment they are not necessarily categorised as being part of an equilibrium community. Opportunistic species are usually defined by their ability to take advantage and respond quickly to disturbance events, and it is suggested that L. medusa may be more than capable of such responses to sudden disruption occasions. Recent studies have given data to suggest L. medusa and several other polychaete species have acquired an exceptional ability to colonize large scale disturbed areas, such as those affected by substantial dredging, at rates comparable to species characterised as opportunists, whilst maintaining many features of an equilibrium species (Schaffner, 1997).