Worms and Tube Worms

Monterey Bay hosts a variety of marine tube worms and other worms, each playing vital ecological roles. Tube worms, like feather duster worms and serpulid worms, are known for their colorful, feathery appendages used for filter feeding. Additionally, the bay is home to diverse polychaetes and ribbon worms, found in habitats ranging from sandy substrates to rocky reefs. These worms contribute to nutrient cycling, sediment stabilization, and serve as essential food sources for various marine predators.