Description: This is the largest sabellid tube worm that occurs in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the tube can be up to 50 cm in length. The crown of tentacles is formed by two lateral lobes, one of which is semi-circular to circular whilst the other spirals inwards. The fan of tentacles can be 10 to 15 cm in diameter and can vary in colour from a uniform dullish white to bright bands of orange-red, purple and white. The leathery tube is composed of semi-hard mucus and often has other epibionts growing on it.

Habitat: Commonly found in the shallow sublittoral growing in clumps on artificial structures in marinas and harbours.

Distribution: This species is native to the Mediterranean Sea. It was first recorded in the United Kingdom from Gosport in 2021. Most records of this species in the United Kingdom and Ireland are from marinas and harbours where there is substantial boating activity suggesting that this facilitated the spread of this species.

Similar Species: This species can be distinguished from Sabella pavonina by the crown of tentacles which has one side spiralled and by its large size.

Key Identification Features:

• Large tube worm, up to 50 cm long.
• Spiral feeding fan.
• Tube often with other things growing on it.

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

iNaturalist: Sabella spallanzanii at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Sabella spallanzanii

WoRMS: Sabella spallanzanii at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791). AphiaID: 130969.

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