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How do tube-dwelling polychaete worms build their tubes?

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annelid *The structure of polychaetes.* (Left) Free-moving polychaetes. (A) *Neanthes,* (B) *Nereis.* (Right) Tube-dwelling (sedentary) polychaetes. (C) *Amphitrite,* (D) *Sabella.*

Tube-dwelling polychaete worms construct their protective homes using substances secreted by cells in their epidermis, or skin. The composition of these tubes varies by species and may include:1

Calcium carbonate: Some species, such as those in the family Serpulidae, build tubes out of calcareous materials.12
Mucus and sediment: Other species, including those in the family Sabellidae (feather-duster worms), construct tubes using mud or sand that is cemented together by mucus.12
Parchment: Some worms create tubes made of a parchment-like material secreted from their skin.1

These sedentary polychaetes remain within these structures for protection, often withdrawing into them when they sense danger.23