Sabellicas

Sabellicas is a genus of marine annelid worms belonging to the family Sabellidae, commonly known as fan worms. These worms are characterized by a crown of feathery tentacles, called a radiola, which they extend from their tube to filter food particles from the water. The radiola can also serve as gills for respiration. Sabellicas species construct tubes made of secreted mucus and particles from their environment, such as sand or shell fragments. These tubes are often anchored to the substrate, providing protection and a stable environment for the worm.

The distribution of Sabellicas is widespread, with species found in various marine habitats, from shallow coastal waters to deeper oceanic regions. They are detritivores, feeding on organic matter suspended in the water column. When disturbed or threatened, the worm can quickly retract its entire radiola into its tube. Reproduction in Sabellicas typically involves the release of gametes into the water, with external fertilization leading to planktonic larvae that eventually settle and develop into adult worms. Some species may exhibit bioluminescence. The family Sabellidae is diverse, and Sabellicas represents a specific lineage within this group, distinguished by particular morphological features of its radiola and tube-building behavior.