Protula bispiralis, commonly known as the red fanworm or as a mopworm, is a species of marine polychaete worm in the family Serpulidae.[1]
Description
Red fanworms have bodies which grow to 65mm in a tube of up to 10mm in diameter. They are lovely fanworms, having a white shell-like tube and two bright orange-red spirals of feathery branches protruding from it.[2]
Distribution
These animals are found off the southern African coast from Cape Point to Durban, subtidally and to at least 25m.[2]
Ecology
These animals grow under boulders or crevices, and are often seen on vertical rock faces. They use their feeding crowns to catch microplankton.[2]
Synonyms
The following species are synonyms of Protula bispiralis:[1]
- Protula (Philippiprotula) magnifica Straughan, 1967 (subjective synonym)
- Protula magnifica Straughan, 1967 (subjective synonym)
- Serpula (Spiramella) bispiralis Savigny, 1822 (objective synonym)
- Serpula bispiralis Savigny, 1822 (objective synonym)
- Spiramella bispiralis (Savigny, 1822) (objective synonym)
