Magelona spp.

Researched By	Lizzie Tyler	Data Supplied By	University of Sheffield
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Magelona spp.	Common name	A bristleworm
MCS Code		Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Spionida
Suborder		Family	Magelonidae
Genus	Magelona	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Howson & Picton, 1997, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Fiege et al., 2000, Jones, 1977
General Biology
Growth form	Vermiform segmented	Feeding method
Mobility/Movement	Burrower	Environmental position	Infaunal
Typical food types	Detritus	Habit	Burrow dwelling
Bioturbator		Flexibility
Fragility		Size	Medium(11-20 cm)
Height		Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential	100-1000m	Dependency	Independent
Sociability	Solitary
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information	Abundance Occurs at high densities where environmental conditions are suitable. For example, Magelona papillicormis has been reported at densities of 279 individuals per 0.1 m² on sandy muddy ground in the Elbe Estuary. Feeding Magelona mirabilis feeds by gathering organic material from the sediment surface with its palps. When feeding on poorly sorted material, selectivity may be shown in that magelonids prefer to handle larger particles. Small crustaceans may also be taken as prey, for example, the mucous on the palps may trap a few harpacticoids although this is likely to be incidental. In well sorted sand, selectivity may be absent as particles with a high organic content have already been concentrated by other means.
Biology References	Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Fiege et al., 2000, Giangrande, 1997, Fauchald & Jumars, 1979, Kuhl, 1972, Niermann et al., 1990, Giangrande, 1997
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland	All Great Britain
Global distribution	North-east Atlantic to Mediterranean
Biogeographic range		Depth range
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences	Coarse clean sand, Fine clean sand	Physiographic preferences
Biological zone	Sublittoral Fringe	Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Fiege et al., 2000, JNCC, 1999, Picton & Costello, 1998, Lackschewitz & Reise, 1998, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type	Gonochoristic	Developmental mechanism	Planktotrophic
Reproductive Season		Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequency	Annual protracted	Regeneration potential	No
Life span	3-5 years	Age at reproductive maturity	1-2 years
Generation time	1-2 years	Fecundity
Egg/propagule size	130µ m diam	Fertilization type	External
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential >10km Larval settlement period Duration of larval stage
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fiege et al., 2000, Giangrande, 1997, Kuhl, 1972, Probert, 1981, Bosselmann, 1989, Kröncke, 1990, Niermann et al., 1990, Giangrande, 1997