BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Cirratulus cirratus

Researched by

Lizzie Tyler

Data supplied by

University of Sheffield

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Cirratulus cirratus

Common name

A bristleworm

MCS Code

P836

Recent Synonyms

None

Phylum

Annelida

Subphylum

Superclass

Class

Polychaeta

Subclass

Order

Spionida

Suborder

Family

Cirratulidae

Genus

Cirratulus

Species

cirratus

Subspecies

Additional Information

Cirratulus cirratus is usually found in aggregations of up to 200 individuals. During the breeding season their colour changes, the females become bright yellow and the males white.

Taxonomy References

Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fauchald, 1977, Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Howson & Picton, 1997,

General Biology

Growth form

Cylindrical
Vermiform segmented

Feeding method

Surface deposit feeder
Sub-surface deposit feeder

Mobility/Movement

Burrower

Environmental position

Infaunal

Typical food types

Diatoms and algal detritus.

Habit

Burrow dwelling

Bioturbator

Diffusive mixing

Flexibility

High (>45 degrees)

Fragility

Fragile

Size

Medium(11-20 cm)

Height

Not relevant

Growth Rate

<2cm / reproductive episode (every 1-2 yrs)

Adult dispersal potential

None

Dependency

Independent

Sociability

Solitary

Toxic/Poisonous?

General Biology Additional Information

Little information on the general biology or life history characteristics of this species was found. Cirratulus cirratus is regarded as a generally tolerant species and can be found in moderate densities in areas of high environmental disturbance (e.g. 120 per m² 500 m away from an oil platform) (Levell et al., 1989). Once larvae and juveniles settle, they remain in their burrow and adults do not move. It can grow up to 2 cm between reproductive episodes, which occur every 1-2 years (Olive, 1970).

Biology References

Garwood, 1982, Levell, et al., 1989, Olive, 1970, Penry & Jumars, 1990, Gibbs, 1971, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,

Distribution and Habitat

Distribution in Britain & Ireland

Found in suitable habitats all round the coast of Britain and Ireland.

Global distribution

Most north west European coasts and also in the south Atlantic.

Biogeographic range

Not researched

Depth range

Migratory

Non-migratory / Resident

Distribution Additional Information

In Northumberland it is the dominant crevice organism on rocky shores between low and high water neaps (Olive, 1970). Cirratulus cirratus has been described as an opportunistic deposit feeder that is characteristic of areas of organic enrichment (Penry & Jumars, 1990). Cirratulus cirratus is mostly intertidal but is sometimes found subtidally (up to 50 m depth off the Devon coast) (Garwood, 1982; Olive, 1970).

Substratum preferences

Under boulders
Muddy gravel
Mud

Physiographic preferences

Open coast
Offshore seabed
Strait / sound

Biological zone

Upper Eulittoral
Mid Eulittoral
Lower Eulittoral
Sublittoral Fringe
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral

Wave exposure

Sheltered
Very Sheltered
Extremely Sheltered

Tidal stream strength/Water flow

Weak (<1 kn)

Salinity

Reduced (18-30 psu)
Variable (18-40 psu)
Full (30-40 psu)

Habitat Preferences Additional Information

None entered

Distribution References

JNCC, 1999, NBN, 2002, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fauchald, 1977, Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Lecithotrophic

Reproductive Season

Asynchronous reproduction

Reproductive Location

Sediment surface

Reproductive frequency

Biannual episodic

Regeneration potential

Life span

6-10 years

Age at reproductive maturity

1-2 years

Generation time

1-2 years

Fecundity

Egg/propagule size

150 µm diameter

Fertilization type

Insufficient information

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	Insufficient information	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Reproduction in Cirratulus cirratus is asynchronous i.e. it is not entrained to any of the seasons and members of the population are at different stages of reproductive development at any one time (Garwood, 1982; Gibbs, 1971). Oocytes are 150 µm in diameter and once fertilized are deposited in a jelly mass on the surface of rocks (Petersen, 1999). The eggs hatch as a ciliated post-trochophore after 6 days. The larvae are entirely benthic for the duration of their development, living off yolk for around 24 days after hatching and then commence adult style deposit feeding (Olive, 1970). Females can spawn 2-3 times in their lifetime and it takes 1-2 years after each spawning to mature a new clutch of oocytes (Olive, 1970). There are separate sexes, the males are white, females are lemon-yellow due to the colour of coelomic oocytes (Gibbs, 1971). Sex ratios vary and have been recorded as 1:1 (Olive, 1970) 1:1.7 and 1:2.8 (Gibbs, 1971).
Asexual reproduction by epitoky (clones growing from the posterior end of the worm) may occur in Cirratulus cirratus. However, the taxonomic status of Cirratulus is in constant review and epitokes may be formed by another species that has been erroneously identified as Cirratulus cirratus (Petersen, 1999).

Reproduction References

Garwood, 1982, Olive, 1970, Gibbs, 1971, Petersen, 1999, George, 1968, George, 1971,