BIOTIC Species Information for Magelona mirabilis
Researched byWill Rayment Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byMike Kendall
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Feeding methodSurface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementBurrower
Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesDetritus, microalgae, small animals HabitBurrow dwelling
BioturbatorNot researched FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeMedium(11-20 cm)
HeightNot relevant Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationAbundance
Occurs at high densities where environmental conditions are suitable. For example, Kuhl (1972) reported Magelona papillicormis at densities of 279 individuals per 0.1 m² on sandy muddy ground in the Elbe Estuary.
Feeding
Magelona mirabilis feeds by gathering organic material from the sediment surface with its palps. When feeding on poorly sorted material, selectivity may be shown in that magelonids prefer to handle larger particles. Small crustaceans may also be taken as prey, for example, the mucous on the palps may trap a few harpacticoids although this is likely to be incidental (M. Kendall, pers. comm.). In well sorted sand, selectivity may be absent as particles with a high organic content have already been concentrated by other means (Fauchald & Jumars, 1979).
Biology References Hayward et al., 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Fiege et al., 2000, Fauchald & Jumars, 1979, Kuhl, 1972, Niermann et al., 1990,
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