Arenicola cristata

Southern Lugworm

A sediment-dwelling worm that processes dead organic matter and helps recycle nutrients through the ecosystem.

Identity & Origin +

Common Name: Southern Lugworm
Scientific Name: Arenicola cristata
Realm: Saltwater
Biome: Seagrass Meadow

Section Notes

Tracked as Southern Lugworm / Arenicola cristata in miniBIOTA from visual observation and published content context. Keep the identification open to later polychaete review if morphology or source material is revisited.

Population Dynamics +

Current Estimated Population: At least one observed large individual; additional hidden individuals are possible but unconfirmed.
Population Status: Uncertain
Date Last Observed: February 17, 2026

Section Notes

A large Southern Lugworm was directly observed deposit feeding against the Seagrass Meadow glass on 2026-02-16, and a visible burrow/tunnel trace remained in the substrate on 2026-02-17. Treat this as confirmed presence and sediment-processing behavior, not proof of abundance, reproduction, measured oxygenation, measured microbial change, or measured nutrient-cycling outcome.

Trophic Ecology +

Trophic Level: Detritivore
Feeding Niche / Method: Deposit feeding
Dietary Inputs: Sedimented detritus, microbes, decaying plant matter, and organic particles

Section Notes

Trophic classification is Detritivore. Food-web role: Sediment and organic-matter recycler. Feeding method: Deposit feeding. Dietary inputs: Sedimented detritus, microbes, decaying plant matter, and organic particles

Environmental Tolerances +

Life Cycle & Reproduction +

System Reproduction Status: Not confirmed; earlier egg-sac signs are interpretive context only and do not confirm Southern Lugworm reproduction.

Ecological Role & Symbiosis +

Ecological Role: Sediment nutrient cycling

Marine/Saltwater

A marine meadow where seagrasses, macroalgae, grazers, filter feeders, worms, crabs, and small invertebrates compete over light, nutrients, and detritus.

Southern Lugworm

Visual Data Unavailable

Section Notes

Section Notes

Section Notes

Classification Pending

Biomes This Species Lives In

Seagrass Meadow

Lugworm Tunnel Changes the Seagrass Sand

Large Deposit-Feeding Worm Appears in the Seagrass Meadow

Related Subjects

Ecological Web

Energy Flow

Southern Lugworm

Visual Data Unavailable

Biomes This Species Lives In

Lugworm Tunnel Changes the Seagrass Sand

Large Deposit-Feeding Worm Appears in the Seagrass Meadow

Ecological Web

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