BIOTIC Species Information for Pholoe spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific namePholoe spp. Common nameA polychaete worm
MCS CodeP90 Recent Synonyms

PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderPhyllodocida
Suborder FamilyPholoidae
GenusPholoe Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Feeding methodPredator
Mobility/MovementCrawler
Environmental positionInfaunal
Epifaunal
Typical food typesSmall invertebrates HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall(1-2cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potential1km-10km Dependency
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Hefferman, & Keegan, 1988 , Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001 ,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandNot researched
Global distributionNot researched
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth rangeNot researched
Migratory   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesGravel / shingle
Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001 ,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Lecithotrophic
Reproductive SeasonMarch to April Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity3-5 years
Generation timeNot researched Fecundityca 25,000 eggs spawned
Egg/propagule size80-150 µm Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodApril
Duration of larval stage11-30 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Hefferman, & Keegan, 1988 , Rouse & Pleijel, 2001 ,
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