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A bristleworm - Aphelochaeta marioni

A bristleworm

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Distribution map

Aphelochaeta marioni recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

Why do the maps differ?

Sightings Have you seen Aphelochaeta marioni?
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Aphelochaeta marioni is not listed under any importance categories.

Key identification features Key identification features

  • Thin, thread like, segmented worm.
  • The fifth segment bears a pair of grooved tentacles, or palps.
  • Numerous filamentous cirri arranged in pairs on each of the segments of the anterior half of the body.
  • The bristles (chaetae) are very fine and hair like.
  • Reddish-brown in colour.
  • Between 2 - 3.5 cm in length.

Habitat Habitat

  • Buried in soft sediments in the intertidal and subtidal
  • Generally in the upper 4 cm of the sediment.
  • In muddy sand or silt, sometimes present in sandy sediments.
  • Patchily distributed all around the British coast, occurs on the south west and south coasts of the Isle of Man and has also been recorded in north east Ireland.

Species facts Species facts

  • Aphelochaeta marioni displays a remarkable tolerance for salinity range.

Want to read more?

Have a look at the intermediate review or the advanced review.

Sightings Have you seen a a bristleworm? If so please submit your record.