Thelepus crispus

The Curly Terebellid Worm

Phylum Annelida
Class Polychaeta
Order Terebellida
Family Terebellidae
Genus Thelepus
Species crispus

Description: Up to 15 cm long; body is reddish-pink; numerous long pink tentacles extending from the head; three pairs of branched red gills; anterior end is wide, posterior end is narrow; setae on both sides of segments on anterior end; makes its tube out of mud or sand.

Habitat: Found on floats and under rocks in mud or sand.

Natural History: When the worm is disturbed, it may leave its tube and build a new tube in a different location. These worms were found on the docks at Boston Harbor Marina.