Polydora spp.

Researched By	Dan Bayley	Data Supplied By	MBA
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Polydora spp.	Common name	A bristleworm
MCS Code	P748	Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass	canalipalpata	Order	Spionida
Suborder		Family	Spionidae
Genus	Polydora	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Howson & Picton, 1997
General Biology
Growth form	Tubicolous, Vermiform segmented	Feeding method	Active suspension feeder, Surface deposit feeder
Mobility/Movement	Burrower	Environmental position	Epibenthic, Epilithic
Typical food types	Detritus	Habit	Tubiculous
Bioturbator		Flexibility
Fragility		Size	Small-medium(3-10cm)
Height		Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential	> 10km	Dependency
Sociability	Gregarious
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Giangrande, 1997, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland	All Great Britain, most common in south-west
Global distribution	Atlantic, Mediterranean, Pacific
Biogeographic range		Depth range
Migratory	Non-migratory / Resident
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences	Bedrock, Mud	Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information	Limestone rock or shells
Distribution References	Giangrande, 1997, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type	Gonochoristic	Developmental mechanism	Planktotrophic, Direct Development
Reproductive Season		Reproductive Location	Adult burrow
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span	1-2 years	Age at reproductive maturity	<1 year
Generation time	<1 year	Fecundity	350-2500 eggs per brood.
Egg/propagule size	70-240 µ m diameter	Fertilization type	External
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Larval settlement period Duration of larval stage
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Giangrande, 1997