Description: This small tube worm builds a thin, calcareous tube that coils anticlockwise, and is translucent. The end of the tube usually (but not always) points upwards. The body of the worm is usually orange in colour with a reddish crown of tentacles and a dark operculum which may be visible.

Habitat: Reportedly found on kelp, bryozoans, hydroids, shells or on decapods.

Distribution: Recorded from most coasts of Britain and Ireland, although seems to be rare on east coast of Britain.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other coiled tube worms, however this species coils in an anticlockwise direction.

Key Identification Features:

• Small coiled calcareous tube.
• Coil is in an anticlockwise direction.

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

iNaturalist: Circeis spirillum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Circeis spirillum

WoRMS: Circeis spirillum at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Circeis spirillum (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 131201.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Annelida; Polychaeta; Sedentaria; Canalipalpata; Sabellida; Serpulidae; Spirorbinae; Circeini; Circeis