BIOTIC Species Information for Nephtys cirrosa
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameNephtys cirrosa Common nameWhite catworm
MCS CodeP498 Recent SynonymsNone

PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderPhyllodocida
Suborder FamilyNephtyidae
GenusNephtys Speciescirrosa
Subspecies   

Additional InformationThe different species of Nephtyidae are difficult to identify, requiring detailed examination of the parapoda and chaetae. Reference to Rainer (1991) is recommended.
Taxonomy References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Fauchald, 1977, Rainer, 1991,
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Feeding methodPredator
Scavenger
Mobility/MovementSwimmer
Crawler
Burrower
Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesMolluscs, crustaceans & other polychaetes. HabitBurrow dwelling
BioturbatorDiffusive mixing FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
HeightNot relevant Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationNone entered
Biology References Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Heidi Tillin, unpub data, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound throughout the British Isles, where it nears the northern limit of its distribution. Four species of Nephtys (%Nephtys caeca%, Nephtys cirrosa, %Nephtys hombergii% and %Nephtys longosetosa%) occur intertidally in the Brit
Global distributionNephtys cirrosa reaches its northern limit in Scotland, and German Bight of the North Sea. The species is found in the Mediterranean.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional InformationNone entered

Substratum preferencesCoarse clean sand
Sandy mud
Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Estuary
Enclosed coast / Embayment
Biological zoneMid Eulittoral
Lower Eulittoral
Sublittoral Fringe
Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional InformationNone entered
Distribution References Brafield, 1978, JNCC, 1999, Picton & Costello, 1998, Bruce et al., 1963, Olive & Morgan, 1991, Clark & Haderlie, 1960, Eleftheriou & McIntyre, 1976, Wolff, 1971, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type Developmental mechanism
Reproductive SeasonInsufficient information Reproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life spanInsufficient information Age at reproductive maturity
Generation timeInsufficient information Fecundity
Egg/propagule size Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialInsufficient information Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stage   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationNone entered
Reproduction References Olive & Morgan, 1991, Heidi Tillin, unpub data, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
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