Keelworm

Pomatoceros triqueter

The tube in which the worm hides at low tide is white and smooth, irregularly curved, hard and calcareous with a single prominent ridge along its back. It looks triangular in cross-section. The worm itself is small with varied colouration,  and has a crown of feeding tentacles. Similar to Pomatoceros lamarcki which has two ridges each side as well as a centre ridge. Tube width 3 to 5mm. Worm length up to 25mm.

Found encrusting and scarring rocks and shells on the middle to lower shore. Discovered on most types of coastline. Common and widespread.

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Photograph taken August 2015, Meadfoot Beach, Torquay, Devon. Camera Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens. © Pete Hillman 2015.

01/1701/17 by Peter Hillman Categories: Animals, Animals (Invertebrates), Coast, Macro Photography, Nature Photography, Photography, WormsTags: Devon, Keelworm, Macro, Macro Photography, Meadfoot Beach, Nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Pomatoceros triqueter, Torquay, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography, Worms 6 Comments