fanworm 4 @ semakau 08Feb2009

fanworm 4 @ semakau 08Feb2009 from BeachBum on Vimeo.

clip showing yet another fanworm.
This one was in a good location on a mound of sand with its tube sticking out. The current of water flowing by was strong and yet the 'fan' did not retreat into the tube. I tried to cause a retraction by dripping water right above the fan. After a few tries, towards the 1.21 min mark, the fan was retracted in a split microsecond! Amazing reflex action!

Read more about Fanworms at :
http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polychaeta/sabellidae.htm

fanworm 3 @ semakau 08Feb2009

fanworm 3 @ semakau 08Feb2009 from BeachBum on Vimeo.
This fanworm also does a split second retreat into the tube. Amazing speed!

fanworm 2 @ semakau 08Feb2009

fanworm 2 @ semakau 08Feb2009 from BeachBum on Vimeo.
Watch out for the split second moment when the 'feathers' retreat into the tube. Faster than your blink!

fanworm 1 @ semakau 07Feb2009

fanworm 1 @ semakau 07Feb2009 from BeachBum on Vimeo.
Fanworms are one of the more pretty animals on the reef.
They are sensitive to sudden disturbances and will retract into their tubes as the slightest hint of trouble.
Read more about them at :
http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polychaeta/sabellidae.htm