Polycirrus spp.

Researched By	Dr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick	Data Supplied By	PML
Refereed by	This information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Polycirrus spp.	Common name	A polychaete worm
MCS Code	P1235	Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Terebellida
Suborder		Family	Polycirrinae
Genus	Polycirrus	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Howson & Picton, 1997
General Biology
Growth form		Feeding method
Mobility/Movement		Environmental position	Infaunal
Typical food types	Detritus including diatoms and other algae. Also small invertebrates including larvae.	Habit	Tubiculous
Bioturbator		Flexibility	High (>45 degrees)
Fragility	Intermediate	Size	Small-medium(3-10cm)
Height		Growth Rate	Not researched
Adult dispersal potential	10-100m	Dependency
Sociability
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Fauchald & Jumars, 1979, 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
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences	Algae, Muddy sand	Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Fauchald & Jumars, 1979, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type	Gonochoristic	Developmental mechanism	Lecithotrophic
Reproductive Season		Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span		Age at reproductive maturity
Generation time	Not researched	Fecundity
Egg/propagule size		Fertilization type	External
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Not researched Larval settlement period Duration of larval stage
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001