divepix - Split-Crown Feather Duster

Split-Crown Feather Duster

Aspect:	Two very flimsy semi-circular feathered fans join at the centre of their bases over a very thin-walled calcareous tube homing the body of the worm. The tube is buried into the substrate and only a small length of this usually protrudes into the open.
Population:	Ubiquitous.
Notable feature:	The radioles (the "feathers") can be of many colours as pictures herewith demonstrate, and can even combine two colours. Not only do neighbouring worms usually sport identical colours, but should they adopt a combination they also share the same coloration pattern.
Environment:	Very shy, will promtly retract when approached too closely. It is hence diificult to photograph and since the function of the radioles is to catch plankton nutriments, these are in constant movement.
Behaviour:	-

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