Harmothoe spp.

Researched By	Dr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick	Data Supplied By	PML
Refereed by	This information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Harmothoe spp.	Common name	A polychaete worm
MCS Code	P50	Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Phyllodocida
Suborder		Family	Polynoidae
Genus	Harmothoe	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Howson & Picton, 1997
General Biology
Growth form	Vermiform segmented	Feeding method
Mobility/Movement		Environmental position	Epibenthic
Typical food types	Small invertebrates, seagrass, diatoms	Habit	Free living
Bioturbator		Flexibility	High (>45 degrees)
Fragility	Intermediate	Size	Small-medium(3-10cm)
Height		Growth Rate	Not researched
Adult dispersal potential	100-1000m	Dependency
Sociability
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001 , Hayward et al., 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland	Not researched
Global distribution	Not researched
Biogeographic range	Not researched	Depth range
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences	Algae, Other species (see additional information), Gravel / shingle, Crevices / fissures	Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type	Gonochoristic	Developmental mechanism
Reproductive Season	See additional information	Reproductive Location	As adult
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span	3-5 years	Age at reproductive maturity	1-2 years
Generation time	Not researched	Fecundity	4000 - 5000 eggs per female
Egg/propagule size		Fertilization type	External
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Not researched Larval settlement period July to August Duration of larval stage
Additional Information	Although fertilisation is external, males and females lie closely together. Reproductive season varies with species. It has been reported as April to May in Harmothoe imbricata, November to January for Harmothoe extenuata and 'spring' for Harmothoe impar (Thorson, 1946; Fish & Fish, 1996)
Reproduction References	Fish & Fish, 1996, Thorson, 1946, Giangrande, 1997, Rasmussen, 1973, Curtis, 1977, Daly, 1972