About Protula bispiralis (Savigny, 1822)
This species is scientifically named Protula bispiralis (Savigny, 1822), commonly called red fanworm. The body of this fanworm grows up to 65 millimeters long, and it lives inside a tube that reaches up to 10 millimeters in diameter. It constructs a white, shell-like tube, and two bright orange-red spirals of feathery branches extend out from the tube, making it an attractive species. This species is found off the coast of southern Africa, ranging from Cape Point to Durban. It occurs in subtidal zones down to at least 25 meters of depth. Ecologically, red fanworms grow underneath boulders or inside crevices, and are often found on vertical rock faces. They catch microplankton for food using their feeding crowns.
