BIOTIC Species Information for Lanice conchilega
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
General Biology
Growth formTubicolous
Vermiform segmented
Feeding methodPassive suspension feeder
Active suspension feeder
Surface deposit feeder
Sub-surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementSwimmer
Crawler
Burrower
Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesDetritus HabitTubiculous
BioturbatorNot researched FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeMedium-large(21-50cm)
HeightInsufficient information Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationSociability
Lanice conchilega can be found as a solitary individual or in populations of several thousand per m2.

Feeding
Buhr & Winter (1977) suggested that Lanice conchilega is unlikely to be just a surface deposit feeder as the fringed ends of its tube form an extensive network meaning that detritus will be trapped in the fringe. They suggest that feeding method is density dependant. At low densities (several dozen individuals per m2) Lanice conchilega will preferentially deposit feed. At high densities (several thousand individuals per m2) competition at the sediment surface will force animals to adopt suspension feeding.
Biology References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Buhr & Winter, 1977, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Heidi Tillin, unpub data, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
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