Galeolaria

Galeolaria is a genus of tube-building annelid fanworms in the family Serpulidae.

Form

Galeolaria, is first observed by the limy tubes within which the worm lives. It contains two described species.

These may form huge colonies coating the rock surface, sometimes centimetres thick.

Inside the limy tube, the galeolaria worm body is symmetrical, with a branchial crown made up of two lobes, one holding a stalked operculum. The operculum is winged with spines. The operculum seals the tube when the animal retreats into its tube. The tentacles of the branchial crown are used as gills and as a way of capturing food.

Colour

The calcareous tubes built by Galeolaria worms are white to grey.

Distribution

Southern Queensland around southern shores to Western Australia.

Habitat

A distinctive zone-forming species with its upper limit at the lowest neap water high-water mark. Isolated tubes may be found at any level, even above the highest tide, only being wetted by spray.

Biology

The calcareous tubes built by this worm are up to 3 cm in length.

The tubes are often found singly, or as complex interwoven clumps. These colonies form a distinctive zone at the mid tidal regions. They may be so thick and dense that they form a microhabitat for many other creatures. Galeolaria seems to exist in very large colonies, all intertwined, or a single worm tubes. When the tubes are uncovered by water, the animal hides away and is impossible to see unless the covering tube is broken open.

Species

• Galeolaria caespitosa Lamarck, 1818
• Galeolaria hystrix Mörch, 1863

References

References:

Galeolaria is also known as "Sydney Coral".

Bennett, I. (1987) W.J. Dakin's classic study: Australian Seashores. p.194-5, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p.38, New Holland, Sydney.

Edgar, G.J. (1997) Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. p.162, Reed Books, Kew.

Quinn, G.P., Wescott, G.C. & Synnot, R.N. (1992) Life on the Rocky Shores of South-Eastern Australia: an illustrated field guide. p.33, Victorian National Parks Association, Melbourne.

Shepherd, S.A. & Thomas, I.M. (1982) Marine Invertebrates of Victoria, Pt. 1. p.291, South Australian Government Printer, Adelaide.

Underwood, A.J. & Chapman, M.G. (1993) Seashores: a beachcomber's guide. p.38, New South Wales University Press, Sydney.