Loimia_medusa

<i>Loimia medusa</i>

Loimia medusa

Species of annelid

Loimia medusa, commonly known as the spaghetti worm, is an aquatic species of annelids belonging to the family Terebellidae.[1]

Quick Facts Loimia medusa, Scientific classification ...

Description

Loimia medusa has long bluish white feeding tentacles that give the appearance of spaghetti noodles under any kind of rubble or rocks.[2] Under those rocks, it has a body that is surrounded by a tube consisting of bits of shell and gravel,[3] creating a tube that has a tough membranous lining with segments. The body can grow to be about 12 in (300 mm) long, while the tentacles can grow to twice that length.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Loimia medusa prefers tropical oceans, such as the Indo-Pacific and the Western Central Atlantic,[5] including reefs off of the Hawaiian Islands.[6]

Its habitat includes spaces such as tidepools, brackish waters, and bays that consist of rubble.[5] They can also be found in sand and coral reefs in the deeper waters across the Hawaiian islands.[7]

Cultural significance

In Hawai'i, Loimia medusa is known as the Kauna'oa. During the Old Hawai'i times, this invertebrate was used for medicinal purposes.[3]

References

  1. [1]
    WoRMS. "Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1822)". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  2. [2]
    Devaney, M. (1987). Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press. pp. 401, 402. ISBN 0-930897-11-0.
  3. [3]
    "Project Aloha 'Δ€ina". Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  4. [4]
    Edmondson, Charles (1987). Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press. p. 401. ISBN 0-930897-11-0.
  5. [5]
    "Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1818)". Sealife Base. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  6. [6]
    Stender, Keoki; Stender, Yuki. "Loimia Medusa". Marine Life Photography. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  7. [7]
    Hoover, John (1999). Hawai'i's Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-56647-220-3.


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