Terebella

Terebella is a genus of marine polychaete worms. These tube-forming worms are characterized by a horseshoe-shaped lobe at the front of their body and numerous filamentous tentacles. They also possess several pairs of gills on their body segments and reduced parapodia (leg-like appendages).1

These worms belong to the family Terebellidae, which is a large family of marine polychaetes known for their burrowing or tube-dwelling habits. Terebellids often have striking filamentous gills at the front of their bodies and typically have long, thick bodies.2

Terebella species are surface-deposit feeders. They use their long, ciliated tentacles, which can extend a meter or more, to gather fine particulate matter from the seafloor for consumption. Some species within the Terebella genus are also known to be bioluminescent, capable of producing light.34