The Sabellariid worm colonies of Suva Lagoon, Fiji

Abstract

The nearshore area between USP’s Lower Campus and the Suva Bowling Club was investigated with regard to sabellariid worm colonies which are common on exposed bedrock, boulders and mangrove roots along that coastline. Polychaetous worms of the family SABELLARIIDAE build reef-like structures made of clusters of vertically oriented tubes composed of sand grains and cemented together by a proteinaceous substance. The structures reach considerable sizes of up to 1 m across and 30 cm height. They are indicative of sites along the coast where erosion is occurring and a combination of exposed bedrock and minor sand provides the worms with hard substrate to attach themselves and building material to construct their tubes. Their original habitat are the roots of mangroves most of which have been cleared from this stretch of the coast. Some findings about the habitat, morphology and biology of the sandbuilder worms are documented. Their regional significance and contribution to coast line development is investigated and the need for their preservation is highlighted.