Touch Tank:
Clam Worm (Nereis spp.)
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A close-up view of the head of a clam worm (Nereis spp.).
Courtesy: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
What
type of habitat do clam worms prefer?
Despite their name, clam worms are common in a variety of benthic habitats,
including sandflats, mudflats, shellfish beds, and algal mats. Some species
can also be found living among barnacles and encrusting algae (fouling communities)
on man-made structures, such as pilings.
Where can they be found in the coastal U.S.?
Clam worms are ubiquitous in distribution, common in marine and estuarine waters
along the West, East, and Gulf Coasts. Some species can be found in the intertidal
zone among rocks or in mudflats and sandflats of higher salinity waters;
others are found in marshes reaching salinities of 9 practical salinity units
(psu) at low tide.
What do clam worms look like?
Clam worms are segmented worms belonging to the class polychaeta, meaning "many
bristles." Each body segment has a pair of small paddle-shaped appendages
(parapodia), in which are embedded tiny hairs or bristles. Clam worms have
four pairs of tentacles, one pair of antennae, and one pair of fleshy lobes (palps)
on the head region.
Why are they important benthic species?
Clam worms play important ecological roles in the lower food web. They consume
algae and small invertebrates (such as other worms) and serve as food for
larger invertebrates and bottom-feeding fish.
Did you know…?
When feeding, the clam worm extends its proboscis, which contains hook-like
jaws to grasp its prey, and then retracts the proboscis to draw the food
into its mouth.
Where can I find more information?
References
Weiss, H.M. 1995. Marine Animals of Southern New England and New York. State
Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut. Department of Environmental
Protection.
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