Protula magnifica

Straughan, 1967

Magnificent Tubeworm, Co-Co Worm

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Natural Environment: Inhabits rocky areas on current-swept reef slopes, most often in shady places where it is cemented to various types of substrate. Its open end often faces into the current, whereas the closed end of the tube is sometimes spiraled and cemented to hard substrate. The open end contains a branched tentacle crown having two spirals that collect its nutritional needs, e.g., suspended particulate organic matter and phytoplankton. Its tentacle crown approaches 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and its tube can be almost 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. The crown is usually reddish orange and white.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the home aquarium trade.

These large calcareous tubeworms are better placed near the bottom of the aquarium in shaded areas where gentle to moderate currents help bring various foodstuffs. Bottom areas are better in the aquarium as sandbed disturbances, even that of stirring the sand by hand can produce current swept detritus, a foodstuff that helps provide some nutrition. Feedings are required at least once a day, more often if feasible, and foodstuffs such as fresh or preserved phytoplankton additives are a 'must' for long term survival.

As with all tubeworms, additives cannot be dispensed directly onto its gills, as the worm will quickly retreat back into its tube. Dispense the product into the aquarium's current and allow it to bring the foodstuff to the worm. Take care not to shade the crown when feeding, as its highly sensitive to changes in light intensity and will usually quickly retreat when a shadow passes over it.

Since this species lacks an operculum (trap door) to seal off the top entrance of the tube, do not lift it out of the water upside down, as air will enter the tube that can sometimes negatively affect the animal, to what degree depends upon the exposure time. Also, keep in mind it can be preyed upon by animals with a claw, e.g., shrimp or crabs, and/or fishes such as triggerfishes, angelfishes, pufferfishes, and butterflyfishes. If disturbed too often, it will refrain from opening its crown and perish due to starvation. Unfortunately, due to inadequate nutrition and/or improper tankmates, most die within the first year of captivity.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Annelida

Class: Polychaeta

Order: Sabellida

Family: Serpulidae

Genus: Protula

FYI: Much attention should be given to maintaining proper calcium and alkalinity levels as noted below.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Filter Feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: >15 minutes

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Iodine (I) Trace element additives containing iodine should be used as recommended by their makers.

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: PAR ratings N/A

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4