Loimia medusa

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Loimia medusa
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Clade: Sedentaria
Order: Terebellida
Family: Terebellidae
Genus: Loimia
Species:
L. medusa
Binomial name
Loimia medusa
(Savigny, 1822)

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

Contents

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] and coasts and reefs off of the Hawaiian Islands. [6]

Its habitat includes spaces such as tidepools, brackish waters, and bays that consist of rubble. [5] This invertebrate 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 invertabrate was used for medicinal purposes. [8]

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References

  1. WoRMS. "Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1822)". World Register of Marine Species . Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  2. Devaney, M. (1987). Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press. pp. 401, 402. ISBN   0-930897-11-0.
  3. "Project Aloha 'Āina". Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  4. Edmondson, Charles (1987). Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press. p. 401. ISBN   0-930897-11-0.
  5. 1 2 "Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1818)". Sealife Base. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  6. Stender, Keoki; Stender, Yuki. "Loimia Medusa". Marine Life Photography. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  7. Hoover, John (1999). Hawai'i's Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates. p. 85. ISBN   978-1-55647-220-3.{{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  8. "Project Aloha 'Āina". Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library. Retrieved 8 April 2024.