BIOTIC Species Information for Bispira spp.
Researched bySean Lindsley-Leake Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameBispira spp. Common nameA polychaete worm
MCS CodeP1260 Recent Synonyms
PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderSabellida
Suborder FamilySabellidae
GenusBispira Species
Subspecies   
Additional Information
Taxonomy References
General Biology
Growth form Feeding method
Mobility/MovementCrawler
 Environmental position
Typical food typesparticulate HabitTubiculous
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential Dependency
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information Feeding seems to be most readily accommodated at current speeds from 1 cm/s to 3 cm/s with the crown apex angled downstream. Whilst the tube provides protection against predatory fish and crustaceans (with ample evidence of sub-lethal cropping of the branchial crown), it also has a role in irrigation and respiration. The worm will retreat within the tube when current flow exceeds 8·7 cm/s.
Biology References Nash & Keegan, 2003(b),
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland
Global distribution
Biogeographic range Depth range
Migratory   
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
 Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonJuly to September Reproductive LocationWater column
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential Yes
Life spanInsufficient information Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation time<1 year FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule size140 µm Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential10-100m Larval settlement periodwithin 1 day
Duration of larval stage<1 day   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationThe trocophore larvae forms 16 hours after fertilisation and is possibly planktotrophic (Nash, 2003; Nash, 2004).
Reproduction References Nash & Keegan, 2003(a), Nash & Keegan, 2004,
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