What species of bristle worms live in the Bay?
More than 110 species of bristle worms have been identified in the Bay. Some of these include: • Bloodworms, Glycera spp. • The common clamworm, Neanthis succinea • The capitellid thread worm, Heteromastus filiformis • The freckled paddle worm, Eteone heteropoda • Red-lined worms, Nephtys spp. • The common bamboo worm, Clymenella torquata • The trumpet worm, Pectinaria gouldii Where do bristle worms live? Bristle worms are abundant in many parts of the Bay and its tributaries. Some burrow or build tubes, while others crawl or swim. Each species falls into one of two general — but unscientific — categories: • “Errant worms” that wander among the shoreline and shallows in search of food. Some may build tubes or burrows that they return to, while others move around freely. • Tube-building worms that build permanent tube or burrow “homes” on shoreline flats. Since they wait for their prey to come to them, tube-building bristle worms have specialized appendages to help them gather food. Wha
