BIOTIC Species Information for Spio filicornis
Click here to view the MarLIN Key Information Review for Spio filicornis
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameSpio filicornis Common nameBristleworm
MCS CodeP790 Recent SynonymsNone
PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderSpionida
Suborder FamilySpionidae
GenusSpio Speciesfilicornis
Subspecies   
Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fauchald, 1977,
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Tubicolous
 Feeding methodSurface deposit feeder
Sub-surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementBurrower
 Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesDetritus HabitTubiculous
BioturbatorNot researched FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
HeightNot relevant Growth RateData deficient
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationNone entered
Biology References Hayward & Ryland, 1990,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandSpio filicornis is found on most British coasts.
Global distributionSpio filicornis is found in the Arctic, Baltic, north-east Atlantic, Mediterranean and north Pacific.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional InformationNone entered
Substratum preferencesCoarse clean sand
Fine clean sand
Mud
Muddy sand
 Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Strait / sound
Enclosed coast / Embayment
Biological zoneLower Eulittoral
Sublittoral Fringe
Upper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
 Wave exposureSheltered
Very Sheltered
Extremely Sheltered
Ultra Sheltered
Tidal stream strength/Water flowWeak (<1 kn)
Very Weak (negligible)
 SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Variable (18-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional InformationNone entered
Distribution References Picton & Costello, 1998, JNCC, 1999, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
 Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonJanuary to September Reproductive LocationAdult burrow
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span1 year Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation time<1 year Fecundity400
Egg/propagule size85 µm diameter Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential>10km Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stage2-10 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationReproduction
Srikrishnadhas & Ramamoorthi (1981) investigated the life history of Spio filicornis in the laboratory. Their findings are summarised below:
  • The spindle shaped egg mass was laid inside the worm's tube, stuck to the side of the tube with mucus produced by the female.
  • Within 12 hours, the eggs metamorphosed into trochophores (larvae) which were retained inside the egg mass.
  • After 36 hours three segments were faintly marked.
  • After thee days the larvae broke free of the egg mass and became pelagic.
  • Once the juvenile worm had 18-22 chaetigers (segments) it settled, metamorphosed, and burrowed into the sand where it built a tube of sand and detritus bound together with mucus.
  • Worms were sexually mature 2 months after metamorphosis.
Reproduction References Srikrishnadhas & Ramamoorthi, 1981, Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989, Eckert, 2003,
About MarLIN | Contact, Enquiries & Feedback | Terms & Conditions | Funding | Glossary | Accessibility | Privacy | Sponsorship

Creative Commons License BIOTIC (Biological Traits Information Catalogue) by MarLIN (Marine Life Information Network) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at http://www.marlin.ac.uk/termsandconditions.php. Note that images and other media featured on this page are each governed by their own terms and conditions and they may or may not be available for reuse. Based on a work at www.marlin.ac.uk.