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Fan worm

Paul Naylor

Twin fan worm

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Scientific name: Bispira volutacornis
Worms in the sea are anything but dull and this fan worm, resembling a Catherine wheel, is a perfect example of the intricate beauty these animals possess.

Top facts

Stats

Fans up to 5cm across with tubes reaching 20cm long.

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

April - October.

About

Rarely seen in deep rockpools, the twin fan worm is most commonly found in deeper shaded rocky overhangs down to 30m. The tentacles (fans) help to collect food and extract oxygen from the sea water.

What to look for

All-white or brown and white banded tentacles form a double spiral up to 5cm across. Tube is made from mud and silt, reaching up to 20cm long and 1cm wide.

Where to find

Widespread across south west Britain, with occasional records elsewhere.

Did you know?

The tentacles of this fan worm contain sense organs such as eyes and when they sense a shadow overhead, they rapidly draw everything back inside the tube!