Nicomache lumbricalis (Fabricius, 1780)

Synonyms:
Sabella lumbricalis Fabricius, 1870
Clymene lumbricalis Moebius, 1874
Nicomache lumbricalis Arwidsson, 1906

Distinguishing characteristics
Head without cephalic plate.
Prostomium rounded anteriorly, dorsally separated from the peristomium by a weak groove.
Pygidium funnel-shaped, with 12-31 unequal and triangular cirri.

Species description
Body strong, cylindrical. Head without cephalic plate. Prostomium rounded anteriorly, dorsally separated from the peristomium by a weak groove. 22-23 chaetigers. Anterior 3 neuropodia with a single strong spine, following neuropodia with a row of hooks. Very small notopodia bear capillary chaetae. Two pre-pygidial achaetous segments without callus ring. Pygidium funnel-shaped, with 12-31 unequal and triangular cirri. Tube - tube thick, straight or tortuous.

Size
Up to 160 mm for 22-23 chaetigers.

Color
Anterior body half with red-brown spots or stains, especially dorsal and lateral.

Habitat
The vertical distribution extends from the sublittoral down to 5000 m.

Mobility
Sedentary.

Feeding
Surface deposit feeder.

Life cycle

Distribution
Arctic, North Pacific, North Atlantic to English Channel, North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, the Big Belt and Öresund to Bay of Kiel.