Fine filaments filter water: peacock worm

The radiating tentacles of peacock worms filter water for food using fine fringed filaments.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Small-scale water filtration systems.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"A feeding peacock worm…has a fan of radiating tentacles fringed with fine filaments to sieve food particles from the water currents." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:25)

About the inspiring organism

Sabella penicillus
Sabella penicillus Linnaeus, 1767
[Peacock worm]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: ITIS: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Small-scale water filtration systems.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Water supply

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Fine filaments filter water: peacock worm

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