Common name : European fan worm, Feather duster worm, Mediterranean fan worm
Scientific name : Sabella spallanzanii
Family : Sabellidae
Native to : East Atlantic and Mediterranean
Interesting fact : When threatened, its crown is withdrawn into the tube.
Conservation status : Not Evaluated
Fan worms live in shallow waters attached to rocks, concrete, boat hulls, mussels and oysters. They are segmented worms encased in a leathery tube with a crown of tentacles, that give them their common name. These filter feeders are white to light tan in colour, sometimes pink, light blue or other colour. Its lifespan is up to one year.
