BIOTIC Species Information for Orbinia spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameOrbinia spp. Common nameA polychaete worm
MCS CodeP661 Recent Synonyms

PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderOrbiniida
Suborder FamilyOrbiniidae
GenusOrbinia Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Feeding methodSub-surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementBurrower
Environmental position
Typical food typesDetritus HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeMedium-large(21-50cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched Dependency
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward, 1994, Fish & Fish, 1996, Barnes, 1979,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandNot researched
Global distributionNot researched
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth rangeNot researched
Migratory   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesMuddy sand
Fine clean sand
Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanism
Reproductive SeasonJanuary to June Reproductive LocationSediment surface
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential No
Life spanInsufficient information Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity5000
Egg/propagule size300 µm Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodMarch to July
Duration of larval stage   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001,
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. 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.