Comprehensive DescriptionRead full entry DescriptionSerpula
vermicularis is a slender, tube-dwelling polychaete between 5
and 7 cm in length with about 200 segments. The tubes are
cylindrical with occasional rings and irregular lengthwise
ridges cut into blunt teeth. The operculum is calcareous and
funnel shaped with radial grooves and a serrated circumference.
The colour of the body of the worm varies from pale yellow to
brick red. The tube is pinkish-white and the operculum is
patterned with red and white rays.The tube is attached to hard
substrata at the base but in reef aggregations is often free for
much of its length.