Lanice conchilega (sand mason)
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Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
Order:
Family: Terebellidae
A fairly large worm L.conchilega grows up to 300mm but is only noticeable on the shore due to the raggedly topped tube encrusted with sand and small broken shell particles that protrudes from the sand and can be seen lower down on the shore. L.conchilega uses its long tentacles to trap passing food particles and also reaches around itself feeding on organic deposits. The sandy tubes and the frayed looking ends help to slow the water flowing past and therefore increase the amount of detritus deposited nearby which is then used for food.
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