River Worm
Tubifex tubifex
River worms live in soft, organic-rich sediments of slow rivers, ponds, ditches, and wastewater-affected waters. They anchor their front ends in mud or a small tube while the rear end waves in the water to help with gas exchange. They feed by swallowing sediment and extracting microorganisms and decaying organic material. Their red coloration comes from abundant hemoglobin, which helps them tolerate water with very little oxygen.
- Type
- Water / Burrow
- Conservation status
- NE