It has spread to various other parts of the world and is included on the Global Invasive Species Database maintained by the IUCN.

European fan worms grow to a total length of 9 to 40 cm (4 to 16 in) and are usually larger in deep water.

Its range extends from the United Kingdom and Ireland, through France, Spain and Portugal to Italy, Greece[1] and Turkey.

It grows on soft sediments or anchors itself to rocks, mollusc shells, jetties, pontoons or other solid surfaces.

[3] The European fan worm is a filter feeder and feeds on bacteria, zooplankton, phytoplankton and suspended particles of organic matter.

[3] The European fan worm is able to bioaccumulate bacteria and has a profound effect on the marine bacterial environment.