Aquatic Worms
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Sensitive Benthos
Moderately Tolerant Benthos
Pollution Tolerant Benthos
Description:
resemble earth worms, but more slender; segmented; color is reddish, brown, or grey; reach lengths of up to 3 inches.
Reproduction:
hermaphroditic, similar to earth worms; fertilization and development of embryos occur in a cocoon.
Food:
like earth worms, they ingest large quantities of mud and filter out organic debris; fed upon by bottom feeders or fish.
Scientific Name:
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Oligochaetae
Order: varies
Indicator Role:
aquatic oligochaetes are generally found in soft mud bottoms, and in high numbers are considered indicators of very poor water quality.
Information Source:
McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.
Other Links:
- Aquatic Worms (nice pictures) from nwnature.net
- Aquatic Worms from the Kentucky Biological Stream Assessment Water Watch Biological Monitoring Procedures
- Illinois Natural History Survey Center for Annelida Resources
- Oligochaetes in Aquatic Invertebates of Montana
- Oligochaetae
in in Freshwater
Benthic Ecology and Aquatic Entomology Homepage
S.M. Mandaville from the Soil & Water Conservation Society of MetroHalifax - Aquatic Worms and Leeches by the Lackawanna River Corridor Association