Mucus glues sand and rock: marine worms

1 of 1 Close up of reef constructed by the honeycomb worm / Júlio Reis / License

Sand tubes created by marine worms are glued together with mucus.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Attach >
	Permanently

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Biolubricants, construction glue.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The colonies built by Sabellaria worms on seashore rocks look like very untidy honeycombs. The worms construct tubes of sand grains stuck together with mucus.

"This surface of a colony of Sabellaria tubeworms (above and left) looks like an untidy and somewhat squashed honeycomb. Sabellaria worms are marine worms about 30 mm long which build tubes by cementing together particles of sand and rock. When not covered by the tide, the worms remain hidden inside the tube, but once covered with water, they protrude from its mouth and extend their tentacles to feed. Sabellaria colonies can form extensive reefs made up of millions of tubes." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:32-33)

About the inspiring organism

Med_800pxsabellaria_alveolata_reef_closeup

Sabellaria
Sabellaria

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Biolubricants, construction glue.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, construction

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.

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