Pholoe spp.

Researched By	Dr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick	Data Supplied By	PML
Refereed by	This information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Pholoe spp.	Common name	A polychaete worm
MCS Code	P90	Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Phyllodocida
Suborder		Family	Pholoidae
Genus	Pholoe	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Howson & Picton, 1997
General Biology
Growth form	Vermiform segmented	Feeding method	Predator
Mobility/Movement	Crawler	Environmental position	Infaunal, Epifaunal
Typical food types	Small invertebrates	Habit	Free living
Bioturbator		Flexibility	High (>45 degrees)
Fragility	Intermediate	Size	Small(1-2cm)
Height		Growth Rate	Not researched
Adult dispersal potential	1km-10km	Dependency
Sociability	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Hefferman, & Keegan, 1988 , Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland	Not researched
Global distribution	Not researched
Biogeographic range	Not researched	Depth range	Not researched
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences	Gravel / shingle	Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type	Gonochoristic	Developmental mechanism	Planktotrophic, Lecithotrophic
Reproductive Season	March to April	Reproductive Location	As adult
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span	3-5 years	Age at reproductive maturity	3-5 years
Generation time	Not researched	Fecundity	ca 25,000 eggs spawned
Egg/propagule size	80-150 µm	Fertilization type	External
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Not researched Larval settlement period April Duration of larval stage 11-30 days
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Hefferman, & Keegan, 1988 , Rouse & Pleijel, 2001