Terebellids

Terebellids are a family of marine polychaete worms, commonly known as spaghetti worms or ares worms. They belong to the order Canalipalpata and are characterized by their long, thread-like feeding tentacles, called tentacles, which can extend far from their burrow. These tentacles are used to collect food particles from the surrounding sediment and water.

Terebellids are found in diverse marine environments worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, and inhabit a variety of substrates including sand, mud, and coral reefs. They are typically sessile, constructing tubes made of secreted mucus and sand grains or shell fragments. These tubes serve as protection and a base from which they can extend their feeding tentacles.

The diet of terebellids consists mainly of detritus, algae, and small invertebrates. They are deposit feeders, using their tentacles to gather organic matter from the seafloor. Reproduction in terebellids is varied, with some species exhibiting external fertilization and others internal fertilization. Larval development can be planktonic or benthic. Terebellids play a role in benthic ecosystems by contributing to nutrient cycling and bioturbation, the disturbance of sediment. Their presence and tube-building activities can also influence the structure of marine habitats.