Filograna implexa is species of polychaeta worm, commonly known as the coral worm. One of many tube dwellers of the family serpulidae, this worm is characterised by its distinctive white calcareous tube in which it's reddish orange body resides. This marine worm occupies a rocky substrate which it attaches its tube to in initial settlement. F. implexa possess an elaborate display of tentacles used for filter feeding.
Growing less than half a cm in size these marine worms occur in highly conspicuous colonies, comprising of hundreds to thousands of individuals.
They take part in both sexual and asexual reproduction which makes it a highly successful species explaining its high abundance and distribution worldwide. It also plays an important role in providing a important microhabitats for a range of other marine species (Richards, 2008; Van Nieuwenhuijzen, 2011; Pernet 2001).
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Filograna implexa colony.
Photo by Emma Bllacklock
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