Loimia medusa, commonly known as the spaghetti worm, is an aquatic species of annelids belonging to the family Terebellidae.[1]
| Loimia medusa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
| Clade: | Sedentaria |
| Order: | Terebellida |
| Family: | Terebellidae |
| Genus: | Loimia |
| Species: | L. medusa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1822)
| |
Description edit
Loimia medusa has long bluish white feeding tentacles that give the appearance of spaghetti noodles under any kind of rubble or rocks.[2] Under those rocks, it has a body that is surrounded by a tube consisting of bits of shell and gravel,[3] creating a tube that has a tough membranous lining with segments. The body can grow to be about 12 in (300 mm) long, while the tentacles can grow to twice that length.[4]
Distribution and habitat edit
Loimia medusa prefers tropical oceans, such as the Indo-Pacific and the Western Central Atlantic,[5] including reefs off of the Hawaiian Islands.[6]
Its habitat includes spaces such as tidepools, brackish waters, and bays that consist of rubble.[5] They can also be found in sand and coral reefs in the deeper waters across the Hawaiian islands.[7]
Cultural significance edit
In Hawai'i, Loimia medusa is known as the Kauna'oa. During the Old Hawai'i times, this invertebrate was used for medicinal purposes.[3]
References edit
- ^ WoRMS. "Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1822)". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ Devaney, M. (1987). Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press. pp. 401, 402. ISBN 0-930897-11-0.
- ^ a b "Project Aloha 'Āina". Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Edmondson, Charles (1987). Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i. Bishop Museum Press. p. 401. ISBN 0-930897-11-0.
- ^ a b "Loimia medusa (Savigny, 1818)". Sealife Base. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Stender, Keoki; Stender, Yuki. "Loimia Medusa". Marine Life Photography. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Hoover, John (1999). Hawai'i's Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-56647-220-3.
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