Worms & flatworms

If the mention of worms conjures images of slimy, wriggling creatures, the annelides are a welcome surprise. These worms are modified to live in the watery realm. Most of them (the ones in the sub-class sedentaria) construct a home for themselves in the form of a tube, so we never even see their bodies. Only their heads, beautiful feathery tufts designed for filtering plankton, are visible. These tufts, or cirri, are very sensitive to light, and as you approach they will most often duck into their tube.

Annelis is Latin for "little rings". The bodies of these worms are divided into segments, which we as divers do not see, since they are well hidden in their tubes. Annelids are higher on the evolutionary scale than sponges and cnidarians, as they possess complete digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous and sensory organs.

(click on photo to enlarge)
	Coralline fringed tube worm (Dodecaceria concharum) These worms are a common sight in current-swept areas. Often times they cover large areas of rock forming clusters up to 3 feet across. Their tubes are short and white (less than 2"), and their cirri are dark in color.
	Slime tube worm (Myxicola infundibulum) Look closely between the rocks, and you will often spot this worm. Immediately after your approach, it will most likely withdraw its transparent purplish slimy plume, then wiggle like a small ball of jello.
	Jointed tube worm (Spoichaetopterus costarum)
	Feather duster worm (Eudistylia vancouveri) This worm can be found at many dive sites in the Northwest on docks, rocks, and pilings. They are large worms growing up to 6" long, with their parchment-like tubes growing up to 24". They are usually seen in clumps with their feathery, maroon cirri sifting for plankton.
	Red tube worm (Serpula columbiana) Once you notice this worm, you will see it anywhere there is something solid to grow onto. It constructs a limy white tube which winds and coils along the substrate up to 4" long. Its plume is usually red.