Thelepus spp.

Researched By	Lizzie Tyler & Dan Bayley	Data Supplied By	University of Sheffield
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Thelepus spp.	Common name	A polychaete worm
MCS Code		Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Terebellida
Suborder		Family	Terebellidae
Genus	Thelepus	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
General Biology
Growth form	Vermiform segmented, Tubicolous	Feeding method
Mobility/Movement	Burrower	Environmental position	Infaunal
Typical food types		Habit
Bioturbator		Flexibility
Fragility		Size	Medium(11-20 cm)
Height		Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential		Dependency
Sociability
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	McHugh, 1993
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland
Global distribution
Biogeographic range		Depth range
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences		Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type		Developmental mechanism	Lecithotrophic, Brooding
Reproductive Season	2 - 6 months	Reproductive Location	Brood chamber
Reproductive frequency	Annual episodic	Regeneration potential	No
Life span		Age at reproductive maturity
Generation time		Fecundity	51,555 - 150,000
Egg/propagule size	220-400 µm diameter	Fertilization type
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Larval settlement period Duration of larval stage
Additional Information	Generally only 1 day spent in plankton
Reproduction References	McHugh, 1993