Metavermilia inflata Polychaete Worm | Japan

Shown here is the rediole array of a Metavermilia inflata polychaete worm. Radioles are the ciliated feather-like tentacles that sessile polychaete worms such as these use for filter-feeding and respiration. The ball is the worm’s operculum, which seals the end of the tube when the animal retracts its radioles. The worm has just defecated, poop visible coming out of the central tube.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: metavermilia-inflata-polychaete-worm-japan-202207-2656.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7220x4813 / 100.1MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Tube Worm Animalia Annelida Polychaeta Canalipalpata Sabellida Serpulidae Metavermilia inflata Fuusen-kanzashi-gokai Operculum Radiole Pacific Japan Kagoshima Prefecture
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | Japan

Shown here is the rediole array of a Metavermilia inflata polychaete worm. Radioles are the ciliated feather-like tentacles that sessile polychaete worms such as these use for filter-feeding and respiration. The ball is the worm’s operculum, which seals the end of the tube when the animal retracts its radioles. The worm has just defecated, poop visible coming out of the central tube.