Mediterranean fanworm

Sabella spallanzanii

What

Mediterranean fanworm is recorded by a competent New Zealand authority as an introduced or managed marine biosecurity subject. Source context (Ministry for Primary Industries): Sabella spallanzanii, a large tube-building polychaete native to Mediterranean and Atlantic European coasts. Source context (Environment Canterbury): Tube-dwelling worm, potentially up to 80 cm; attaches to rock, wood, steel, concrete, shellfish, and artificial materials, and can occur in soft substrate.

Why

The source identifies ecological or marine biosecurity risks relevant to surveillance and spread prevention. Source context (Environment Canterbury): Dense beds can reach reported densities up to 1,000 individuals per m² and compete for space/food with native filter feeders and aquaculture interests. This is a risk/observed-density statement, not a density claim for every site.

Where

Known presence and management boundaries are location-specific and must be checked against current authoritative controls.

Established knowledge

For consequential field decisions, consider the knowledge state and cited sources for each claim, and consult authoritative guidance where appropriate. Information and reliance terms

50% reference coverage — not scientific certainty or ecological progress

Identification
NZ status
Ecological impact
Sources

Open knowledge

These are parts of the public picture that could become clearer with better evidence.

Distribution
Visual clues
Confusion species
Regional intelligence

Sources & credits

MPI — marine surveillanceauthoritative · Canonical identity, New Zealand marine status and threat context
Ministry for Primary Industries — Mediterranean fanworm (what)authoritative · Supports the attributed what context. Source scope and dates apply; this does not establish current local presence, current legal status or media reuse permission.
Environment Canterbury — Mediterranean fanworm (what, ecological-impact)authoritative · Supports the attributed what, ecological-impact context. Source scope and dates apply; this does not establish current local presence, current legal status or media reuse permission.

Prepare related field media

Field observations

Field observations connect sightings and signs with a place, time and source. They can support evidence after review. This dossier does not accept public submissions.

No field observations are published for this Target.

Commentary

Local experience, corrections and context help explain the public record. Commentary is not verified knowledge. This dossier does not accept public comments.

No commentary is published for this Target.

Questions and Missions

What can the sources tell us, and what still needs evidence? Explore dossier discoveries and research questions to understand this Target. Research leads identify knowledge gaps; they are not field assignments.

Explore Missions and Hunt mode for Mediterranean fanworm

Where is mediterranean fanworm currently established or emerging in New Zealand waters?Research question · evidence needed
What verified evidence distinguishes current ecological impact from presence alone for mediterranean fanworm?Research question · evidence needed

Shout Out

Share this record so others can explore the same question, place or ecological work. The link keeps its context and sources together.

Mediterranean fanworm — The Hit List — NZ Ex Games

Canonical link

/hit-list/marine-mediterranean-fanworm

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