Respiration occurs when dissolved oxygen enters through the surface of the body and through the extended branchial crown.

This tube worm is a filter feeder and cilia on the branchial filaments waft particles towards the central mouth.

The larvae form part of the zooplankton for two to three weeks in the summer when the majority of the breeding takes place, but for up to two months in the winter.

The larvae then settle on the substrate and build a temporary delicate, semi-transparent tube formed of mucus and calcareous matter.

[2] Although it may superficially give the appearance of being formed in bands, this is caused by spurts in growth interspersed with quiescent periods.