Keelworm (Tubeworm)

What do they look like?

Keelworms live inside a white, twisting, calcareous tube that they create themselves. These tubes are smooth, with a ridge that runs along the top. They encrust rocks, shells, and various other hard marine surfaces. The worm that lives inside each tube will vary in colouration between individuals, but each possesses a crown of tentacles which it uses to feed on the plankton and detritus that float by on the currents.

Where can I find them in Scotland?

They can be seen on all coasts across Britain and Ireland. They prefer sublittoral habitat (below the shore) and can occur at depths of 70 meters or above. You can find them in the middle to lower shore on rocky coasts or on shells and pebbles washes up by the waves.

© Susan Davies