BIOTIC Species Information for Ophelia spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameOphelia spp. Common nameA polychaete worm
MCS CodeP997 Recent Synonyms

PhylumAnnelida Subphylum
Superclass ClassPolychaeta
Subclass OrderOpheliida
Suborder FamilyOpheliidae
GenusOphelia Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formVermiform segmented
Feeding methodSurface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementBurrower
Swimmer
Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesDiatoms HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m Dependency
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Fish & Fish, 1996, Barnes, 1965, Fauchald & Jumars, 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
Water column (pelagic)
Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Fish & Fish, 1996, MBA, 1957,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismLecithotrophic
Reproductive SeasonApril to September Reproductive LocationWater column
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span6-10 years Age at reproductive maturity1-2 years
Generation timeNot researched FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule size140-150 µm Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodJune to November
Duration of larval stage2-10 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward et al., 1996, Thorson, 1946,
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