Biology
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The planktonic larvae of S. bombyx have been observed in the period April-December, with maximal nurnbers in May-June and August-September. The species lives in a tube that slightly protrudes from the surface. S. bombyx probably is a selective deposit feeder, but specific observations are lacking (Hartmann-Schröder, 1971; Wolff, 1973; Fauchald & Jumars, 1979; Hayward & Ryland, 1990).
Holtmann, S.E.; Groenewold, A.; Schrader, K.H.M.; Asjes, J.; Craeymeersch, J.A.; Duineveld, G.C.A.; van Bostelen, A.J.; van der Meer, J. (1996). Atlas of the zoobenthos of the Dutch continental shelf. Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management: Rijswijk, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-369-4301-9. 243 pp.
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Description
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Thin and fragile bristle worm up to 60 mm long. Head features two striking horns at the front and one pointed horn at the back. Its palps are substantial but relatively short. Four eyes, no gills. The species constructs solid tubes consisting of sand grains. The colour of the anterior end is bright pink and becomes dark red to greenish brown towards the posterior end.
Degraer, S.; Wittoeck, J.; Appeltans, W.; Cooreman, K.; Deprez, T.; Hillewaert, H.; Hostens, K.; Mees, J.; Vanden Berghe, E.; Vincx, M. (2006). The macrobenthos atlas of the Belgian part of the North Sea. Belgian Science Policy. D/2005/1191/3. ISBN 90-810081-6-1. 164 pp.
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Distribution
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Saguenay Fjord, southern Gaspe waters (Baie des Chaleurs, Gaspe Bay to American, Orphan and Bradelle banks; eastern boundary: eastern Bradelle Valley), Magdalen Islands (from Eastern Bradelle valley to the west, as far as Cape North, including the Cape Breton Channel); Prince Edward Island (from the northern tip of Miscou Island, N.B. to Cape Breton Island south of Cheticamp, including the Northumberland Strait and Georges Bay to the Canso Strait causeway); Cobscook Bay to Cape Hatteras
North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)
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Distribution
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S. bombyx is found at almost 50% of all stations sampled. Locally, i.e. to the west and north of the Wadden islands up to the Frisian Front, it is very abundant. In the central and northern part of the Oyster Ground the species is found in low densities. The distribution of S. bombyx extends far into the estuarine Delta area and it is also found in some parts of the Wadden Sea.
Holtmann, S.E.; Groenewold, A.; Schrader, K.H.M.; Asjes, J.; Craeymeersch, J.A.; Duineveld, G.C.A.; van Bostelen, A.J.; van der Meer, J. (1996). Atlas of the zoobenthos of the Dutch continental shelf. Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management: Rijswijk, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-369-4301-9. 243 pp.
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Distribution
provided by World Register of Marine Species
Spiophanes bombyx is widely spread across the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS) and reaches a high frequency of occurrence in all areas. A low distribution frequency was only observed in the eastern coastal zone in the 1994-2001 period. In addition to its wide distribution pattern S. bombyx was mainly found in high densities (1976-1986 period: up to 1,500 ind./m2; 1994-2001 period: up to 12,000 ind./m2). In short, S. bombyx is one of the most common species on the BPNS.
Degraer, S.; Wittoeck, J.; Appeltans, W.; Cooreman, K.; Deprez, T.; Hillewaert, H.; Hostens, K.; Mees, J.; Vanden Berghe, E.; Vincx, M. (2006). The macrobenthos atlas of the Belgian part of the North Sea. Belgian Science Policy. D/2005/1191/3. ISBN 90-810081-6-1. 164 pp.
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Habitat
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bathyal, infralittoral and circalittoral of the Gulf and estuary
North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)
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Habitat
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Although the species has been found in a variety of sediment types, its density distribution suggests a distinct preference for fine sandy substrates.
Holtmann, S.E.; Groenewold, A.; Schrader, K.H.M.; Asjes, J.; Craeymeersch, J.A.; Duineveld, G.C.A.; van Bostelen, A.J.; van der Meer, J. (1996). Atlas of the zoobenthos of the Dutch continental shelf. Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management: Rijswijk, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-369-4301-9. 243 pp.
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Habitat
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Spiophanes bombyx reaches a high relative occurrence in almost all sediment types. A relative occurrence of > 40% is reached in sediments with a median grain size of 100 to 550 µm and with a mud content of 0 to 90%.
Degraer, S.; Wittoeck, J.; Appeltans, W.; Cooreman, K.; Deprez, T.; Hillewaert, H.; Hostens, K.; Mees, J.; Vanden Berghe, E.; Vincx, M. (2006). The macrobenthos atlas of the Belgian part of the North Sea. Belgian Science Policy. D/2005/1191/3. ISBN 90-810081-6-1. 164 pp.
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Morphology
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Like Spio filicornis, a thin and fragile species with a maximum length of 60 mm and about 180 segments. The head is T-shaped and bears two large palps and four eyes arranged in a square. The first segment has characteristic curved chaetae. Gills are absent. The dorsal lobes of the parapodia are markedly pointed. The worm is bright pink in front and darker red or greenish brown towards the posterior. The species builds stiff tubes composed of sand grains (Hartmann- Schröder, 1971; Hayward & Ryland, 1990).
Holtmann, S.E.; Groenewold, A.; Schrader, K.H.M.; Asjes, J.; Craeymeersch, J.A.; Duineveld, G.C.A.; van Bostelen, A.J.; van der Meer, J. (1996). Atlas of the zoobenthos of the Dutch continental shelf. Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management: Rijswijk, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-369-4301-9. 243 pp.
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