Intertidal Tube Worm

Galeolaria caespitosa

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Noticeable along the shoreline due to the white to grey calcareous tubes they build and live in, the worm itself is concealed with the tube only appearing during tidal movements to feed.

The symmetrical worm uses tentacles as gills and to feed and has an operculum that seals the tube during low tides

Size

Indiviual worms can grow to around 20mm

Habitat

Grows in colonies on rocks and piers in the interidal zone

Distribution

Southern Australia from southern WA to Victoria and around Tasmania

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. Wilson, R., 2011, Intertidal Tube Worm, Galeolaria caespitosa, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.