BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Magelona spp.

Researched by

Lizzie Tyler

Data supplied by

University of Sheffield

Refereed by

This information is not refereed.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Magelona spp.

Common name

A bristleworm

MCS Code

Recent Synonyms

Phylum

Annelida

Subphylum

Superclass

Class

Polychaeta

Subclass

Order

Spionida

Suborder

Family

Magelonidae

Genus

Magelona

Species

Subspecies

Additional Information

Taxonomy References

Howson & Picton, 1997, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Fiege et al., 2000, Jones, 1977,

General Biology

Growth form

Vermiform segmented

Feeding method

Mobility/Movement

Burrower

Environmental position

Infaunal

Typical food types

Detritus

Habit

Burrow dwelling

Bioturbator

Flexibility

Fragility

Size

Medium(11-20 cm)

Height

Growth Rate

Adult dispersal potential

100-1000m

Dependency

Independent

Sociability

Solitary

Toxic/Poisonous?

General Biology Additional Information

Abundance
Occurs at high densities where environmental conditions are suitable. For example, Magelona papillicormis has been reported at densities of 279 individuals per 0.1 m² on sandy muddy ground in the Elbe Estuary.
Feeding
Magelona mirabilis feeds by gathering organic material from the sediment surface with its palps. When feeding on poorly sorted material, selectivity may be shown in that magelonids prefer to handle larger particles. Small crustaceans may also be taken as prey, for example, the mucous on the palps may trap a few harpacticoids although this is likely to be incidental. In well sorted sand, selectivity may be absent as particles with a high organic content have already been concentrated by other means.

Biology References