BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Cirratulus cirratus
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction

Researched by	Lizzie Tyler	Data supplied by	University of Sheffield
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
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?	No
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,