Peacock Worm
Sabella pavonina

Habitat: Muddy sea floor and rocky reefs
Depth: From 1-750m
Food: Plankton, detritus
Length: Up to 25cm tall
Lifespan: Unknown
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Peacock worms live in slim tubes either buried in mud or attached to rocks and stones. They hold a beautiful fan of colourful tentacles out of the tube to catch particles held in the water currents. These are sorted into food and building materials - food is transported to the central mouth and tiny particles of sand or mud are mixed with sticky mucus to make the tube. The tentacles are withdrawn quickly if the worm is threatened. The rest of the worm is safe inside the tube.