European fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii)
Have you see this marine pest in NSW?
Key features
Close up image of European fan worm
Diagram of a longitudinal section through a european fan worm
Habitat
Cooler, sheltered waters; up to 30cm depth; soft sediments or hard surfaces (including wharf and marine piles, channel markers and submerged wrecks).
Current locations
NSW: Eden; Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.
Impacts
Fouls man-made structures; competes with native species and can inhibit their settlement.
Similar native species
Feather duster worm / Banded fan worm Sabellastarte indica
Key Features:
Up to 15cm height
Banded white and purple / brown fan (radiole); Fan not spiralled; Flexible tube
Habitat:
Prefers areas of strong tisal influence, rather than sheltered areas.
If you see this pest in NSW, please report it immediately
- Note the exact location
- If possible take a photo and/or collect a sample
- Freeze smaple in a plastic bag
- Report your sighting
Photograph credits. Native species: Roger Steene, European fan worm: CRIMP, CSIRO Australia; diagram: Geordie Clapin, CSIRO Marine Research