RESPIRATION AND NUTRITION
Respiration in these animals is simply achieved through the extension of their elaborate crown of tentacles with the surrounding environment; however studies have shown that in many Serpulidae secondary gas exchange also occurs directly across the body wall (Glasby, 2000).
Tentacles or radiole of Filograna implexa
Photo by Emma Blacklock
The species F.implexa are filter feeders using their extended tentacles to capture food direct from water column. From the mouth, food particlues are moved along the oesophagus into primary digestive tract by ciliary action (Glasby, 2000).
It should be noted that the family Serpuldiae also lack a pharynx or buccal organ (Glasby, 2000). |