Sabellariid Worm Reefs
The low mounding structures that form living reefs along Florida’s coast are made by
numerous tiny marine bristle worms of the family Sabellariidae (sa - bell- AIR - id - ee).
Each worm settles onto a hard, durable surface and begins to construct a protective tube
out of the surrounding sand. The Sabellariid worms attach their tubes to their neighbors’
tubes, forming large colonies which grow into massive mounding reefs. These reefs are
sometimes exposed at low tide, creating tide pools and providing habitat for many marine
organisms. An outstanding example of this type of reef is found at Bathtub Reef Park on
Hutchinson Island, just 3 miles south of the Florida Oceanographic Society, and just north of the St. Lucie Inlet.
The species of Sabellariid worm found in our area is called Phragmatopoma caudata. The
Adult worms are up to 2 inches long and 1/8 inch in diameter, although most worms are
closer to ¾ inch long. These worms can be found building their reefs on limestone and
coquina formations, jetties and pilings from Cape Canaveral to the south end of Biscayne Bay.
Many different species of marine organisms live around these reefs. This makes them
excellent places to go snorkeling on calm days.
These worms build sand hoods over their tubes to protect themselves from drying out in
the sun at low tide. Walking on a living worm reef crushes these hoods into the tubes,
sealing them, and killing the worms.
People should never walk on, scrape, or break pieces off the worm reefs.
On to Worm Reefs - Built to Last
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Copyright © 2003 Florida Oceanographic Society.May be copied for use in classroom.
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URL: http://www.floridaoceanographic.org/worm_reef.htm
Revised January 3, 2003
