Ophelia spp.

Researched By	Dr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick	Data Supplied By	PML
Refereed by	This information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Ophelia spp.	Common name	A polychaete worm
MCS Code	P997	Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Opheliida
Suborder		Family	Opheliidae
Genus	Ophelia	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Howson & Picton, 1997
General Biology
Growth form	Vermiform segmented	Feeding method	Surface deposit feeder
Mobility/Movement	Burrower, Swimmer	Environmental position	Infaunal
Typical food types	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	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Fish & Fish, 1996, Barnes, 1965, Fauchald & Jumars, 1979
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	Muddy sand, Water column (pelagic)	Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Fish & Fish, 1996, MBA, 1957
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type	Gonochoristic	Developmental mechanism	Lecithotrophic
Reproductive Season	April to September	Reproductive Location	Water column
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span	6-10 years	Age at reproductive maturity	1-2 years
Generation time	Not researched	Fecundity	Insufficient information
Egg/propagule size	140-150 µm	Fertilization type	External
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Not researched Larval settlement period June to November Duration of larval stage 2-10 days
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward et al., 1996, Thorson, 1946