Potimilla occelata

The Small Feather Duster Worm

Phylum Annelida
Class Polychaeta
Order Sabellida
Family Sabellidae
Genus Potimilla
Species occelata

Description: Up to 17 cm long; cirri are light tan in color and may be banded with brown; cirri structure is simple feather-like; main stems do not fork; have darkly pigmented eyespots.

Habitat: Found on pilings, floats and protected rocky beaches.

Natural History: They are the smallest of the four large tube worms. Feeding is simular to S. insignis. This small feather duster worm was occasionally found at Boston Harbor.