Description: This worm reaches up to 50 mm in length and has a crown of feathery tentacles (radioles) made up of 25 on each side. The outer surface of each radiole has several paired 'eyes' interspersed with flaps shaped like shoe horns or with scalloped ends. Abdomen longer than the thorax. Abdominal chaetae arranged in pencil-like tufts and arranged in a C-shape.

Habitat: Under shells and stones, usually sublittoral but can be found at low water mark.

Distribution: Recorded on all coasts of Britain and Ireland but appears to be more rare on east coast of Britain.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Radioles have several paired 'eyes'.
• Radioles have flaps shaped like shoe horns or with scalloped ends.

Distribution Map from NBN: Branchiomma bombyx at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Branchiomma bombyx at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Branchiomma bombyx

WoRMS: Branchiomma bombyx at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Branchiomma bombyx (Dalyell, 1853). AphiaID: 130878.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Annelida; Polychaeta; Sedentaria; Canalipalpata; Sabellida; Sabellidae; Sabellinae; Branchiomma