New Zealand Seashore

DSC_4041 Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) in shallow water on reef at low tide. This unwanted pest was first detected in Lyttelton in May 2008, but has since been found on structures and vessels in Auckland's upper Waitemata Harbour and forms dense colonies in harbours and estuaries. The tubes are often muddy in appearance, and the single spiral fan (radiole) extends out of the top of the tube. Howick

DSC4041Mediterranean fanwormSabellaspallanzaniifeather dusterwormunwantedpestAucklandupperWaitemata HarbourHowick