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Chaetopterus variopedatus
| Family Name: | Chaetopteridae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Worm) |
| Common Name: | Fairy Tubeworm |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | The worm prefers sublittoral mudflats and is rarely seen. It is a filter feeder, and it is the obligate host to the peculiar porcellanid crab Eulenaios cometes. |
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| Habitats | Mudflats, Marine |
| Distribution | Supposed to have an almost cosmopolitan distribution, but in Singapore known only from off Changi Point and Pulau Semakau. |
| Nature Areas | Pulau Semakau |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Beach reclamation; increased sedimentation. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | The peculiar habits of the worm and its relationship with the crab have yet to be studied in detail. |
| Conservation Notes | Key areas where the worm still occurs in good numbers should be identified and steps taken to conserve them. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [2008] |
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Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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