It is found on submerged rocks, reefs, piles and boats in many shallow and deeper water environments around the world.

The branchial crown, which projects from the end of the tube, has two groups of four radioles (heavily ciliated, feather-like tentacles).

Cilia on the tentacles cause currents in the water and small organic particles are caught as they float by.

[2] Experiments have shown that only inert, detrital particles are captured by the expanded crown, free-swimming algae being able to avoid entrapment.

[4] This worm is a hermaphrodite; reproduction can occur asexually, when the body breaks into two parts, or sexually, by the emission of gametes into the water column.