Alitta succinea

Rights Holder:

Wilson, Robin

Neanthes succinea is a polychaete worm belonging to the family Nereididae (= Nereidae). The head has four large eyes, four pairs of small tentacles, one pair of short antennae, one pair of long feeding palps, and a pharynx with chitinous jaws and many small toothlike structures called paragnaths. The body has up to 160 segments, and is equipped with well-developed, setose parapodia. The posterior body is usually greenish-yellow or pale red, the head is darkly pigmented, and light or dark dots typically cover the entire body. The ventral surface of the animal is pale (Craig et al. 2003, ISSG 2007).

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Distribution

Australia (introduced), northern Europe, North America (Atlantic coast)

Source:

Annelida LifeDesk

License:

World Register of Marine Species

Rights Holder:

Wilson, Robin

Distribution

Atlantic, Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, Canada, Greek Exclusive Economic Zone, Gulf of Mexico, Manicouagan, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, Saint Lawrence River, United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone

References:

Wittoeck, Jan
Faulwetter, Sarah (2010). Check-list of marine Polychaeta from Greece. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Assembled in the framework of the EU FP7 PESI project.
Gordon, D. (Ed.) (2009). New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity. Volume One: Kingdom Animalia. 584 pp
Felder, D.L. and D.K. Camp (eds.), Gulf of Mexico–Origins, Waters, and Biota. Biodiversity. Texas A&M Press, College Station, Texas.
Natural Geography in Shore Areas (NaGISA) database, compiled by Ann Knowlton.
MEDIN (2011). UK checklist of marine species derived from the applications Marine Recorder and UNICORN, version 1.0.
Mark, S., Provencher, L., Albert, E. et Nozères, C. 2010. Cadre de suivi écologique de la zone de protection marine Manicouagan (Québec) : bilan des connaissances et identification des composantes écologiques à suivre. Rapp. tech. can. sci. halieut. aquat. 2914 : xi + 121 p

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

WoRMS for SMEBD

Neanthes succinea is cosmopolitan in distribution and is common in temperate and tropical marine habitats. The putative native range is the Atlantic coast of the Americas, but the species also occurs as an introduced organism along coastal Europe and Africa, in the Black Sea, Caspian and Aral Sea, and southern Australia (Pardo and Dauer 2003, ISSG 2007). N. succinea also occurs along the US Pacific coast as an introduced, non-indigenous species, from Washington State to California (USGS 2008). Introduction pathways have included natural dispersal, ship ballast water, and hull fouling (ISSG 2007). Neanthes succinea occurs throughout the India River Lagoon system.

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Size

Clam worms grow to approximately 190 mm in length (Craig et al. 2003, ISSG 2007).NIMPIS (2006) indicates the life cycle takes a minimum of one year to complete.

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Diagnostic Description

Distinguished from other Australian Nereididae by: Dorsal notopodial ligule breadth on posterior chaetigers markedly broader on posterior chaetigers; Areas II, III and IV paragnaths not in regular comb-like rows (but may be arranged in irregular rows)
Areas II, III and IV paragnaths Not in regular comb-like rows (but may be arranged in irregular rows)

Source:

Annelida LifeDesk

License:

Rights Holder:

Wilson, Robin

Look Alikes

Neanthes succinea is similar in appearance to several polychaetes, particularly those belonging to the same family. Descriptive characteristics and habitat traits described here may aid in positive identification, although polychaete taxonomy is generally considered beyond the scope of amateur naturalists.

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

World Register of Marine Species

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Habitat

Known from seagrass beds.

References:

Natural Geography in Shore Areas (NaGISA) database, compiled by Ann Knowlton.

Source:

License:

Ocean Biogeographic Information System

Rights Holder:

WoRMS for SMEBD

Depth range based on 2858 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 59 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): -99 - 3506
  Temperature range (°C): 2.335 - 27.678
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.253 - 28.573
  Salinity (PPS): 19.285 - 36.186
  Oxygen (ml/l): 3.029 - 6.429
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.038 - 1.751
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.756 - 40.799

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): -99 - 3506

Temperature range (°C): 2.335 - 27.678

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.253 - 28.573

Salinity (PPS): 19.285 - 36.186

Oxygen (ml/l): 3.029 - 6.429

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.038 - 1.751

Silicate (umol/l): 0.756 - 40.799

Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

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Trophic Strategy

Neanthes succinea is opportunistic in its feeding. The jawed, eversible proboscis is used primarily to ingest sediment deposits, but it is also capable of grazing some plant material and of facultative capture of small invertebrates (Craig et al. 2003). Small amphipods and polychaetes have been found in N. succinea gut contents (NIMPIS 2006).Fong (1987) conducted gut analyses of deposit-feeding N. succinea from San Francisco Bay. The authors observed that individuals consumed a wide range (20-300 ¦#181;m) and that deposit feeding appeared to be largely non-selective feeding. Fauchald and Jumars (1979) indicate the species is primarily a sediment surface feeder.Cammen (1980) estimated that approximately one-fourth of the organic carbon requirement of North Carolina N. succinea is microbial in origin, with additional sources of carbon derived from direct uptake of plant substratum, ingestion of meiofauna, and possibly uptake of dissolved organic matter. Competitors: Dietary resources are generally not believed to be limiting to members of the soft sediment deposit feeding guild. As a result competition for dietary resources is not likely to be severe for clam worms. Predators: A variety of predaceous birds and fish feed extensively on benthic Neanthes succinea (Detwiler et al. 2002). Bishop and Miglarese (1978) observed striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) feeding on swarming water column N. succinea at James Island, South Carolina. Perry and Uhler (1988) reported N. succinea was a minor component in the diet of canvasback geese (Aythya valisineria) wintering on Chesapeake Bay.Water column larvae are vulnerable to predation by fish and birds (Craig et al. 2003). Habitats: Neanthes succinea occupies a variety of marine and estuarine intertidal to subtidal infaunal and epifaunal habitats including sand and mud bottoms, seagrass meadows, rocky benthic areas, mussel and oyster beds, and dock pilings (Orth 1973, Craig et al. 2003). Hines and Comtois (1985) report that individuals occurred primarily deeper than 5 cm, with peak abundance between 10-15 cm.Kaplan et al. (1975) note that N. succinea and other large, mobile species are among the macrobenthos that are quickest to re-colonize sediments that had been disturbed by dredging. Activity Time: Neanthes succinea is an active forager primarily at night, spending most of the day in a mucous-lined tube (Craig et al. 2003).

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Associations

Known predators

Nereis succinea is prey of:
Dicentrarchus labrax
Ciliata mustella

Based on studies in:
Portugal (Estuarine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

References:

L. Saldanha, Estudio Ambiental do Estuario do Tejo, Publ. no. 5(4) (CNA/Tejo, Lisbon, 1980).

Source:

SPIRE

License:

Rights Holder:

SPIRE project

Known prey organisms

Nereis succinea preys on:
detritus
meiofauna

Based on studies in:
Portugal (Estuarine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

References:

L. Saldanha, Estudio Ambiental do Estuario do Tejo, Publ. no. 5(4) (CNA/Tejo, Lisbon, 1980).

Source:

SPIRE

License:

Rights Holder:

SPIRE project

Population Biology

Orth (1973) indicates that Neanthes succinea is at times among the most dominant members of the Chesapeake Bay infaunal Zostera community, occurring in 75% of benthic samples collected in this study.Clam worms may also occur in considerable abundance, even in marginal habitats (in which polychaetes often appear to thrive). Hamilton, Jr. (1972) reported N. succinea densities of 400/m2 in disturbed, partially anaerobic sediments near Cove Point, in Chesapeake Bay.

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

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Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Reproduction

Reproduction in clam worms is sexual. Fertilization is external, and the sexes are separate.When sexual maturity is reached, individuals metamorphose into a nektonic heteronereid form similar in appearance to the non-reproductive form except the parapodia have become enlarged and more lobate (Detwiler et al. 2002, ISSG 2007). This is also referred to as the epitokal stage (Craig et al. 2003) During spawning, heteronereids swim to the surface to spawn en masse. Females die after shedding eggs and males may die after spawning as well (Detwiler et al. 2002, NIMPIS 2006). Reproductive swarming is thought to be triggered by a complex set of exogenous cues including temperature, salinity, photoperiod and lunar period (Hardedge et al. 1990, Fong 1991, ISSG 2007). Swarming has been observed in US coastal waters from march-October.Laboratory experiments conducted by Hardege et al(1990) revealed that metamorphosis heteronereid stages and swarming could both be induced by raising temperatures at around the time of the new moon. Rasmussen (1973) reports similar circa-lunar periodicity of reproduction in the Ise fjord in Denmark, where swarming individuals could be collected during the summer months from the sea surface, after sunset at the time of the new moon.Hardege et al. (2004) confirm female clam worms employ a tetra-peptide, cysteinyl-glutathione (CSSG) as mate recognition and gamete release pheromone. The authors demonstrated that female CSSG release during spawning induces male gamete release and also results in increased male swimming activity, possibly facilitating access to slower swimming females.

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Growth

Within 36 hours of fertilization, eggs develop into small, setose, two-segmented larvae. Planktonic larvae remain in the water column until they possess 9-12 segments (NIMPIS 2006 indicates 4-6 segments at settlement), at which time they begin to settle to the benthos (Tiffany et al. 2002).

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License:

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD)

Rights Holder:

Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce

Molecular Biology

Statistics of barcoding coverage: Neanthes succinea

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Specimens with Barcodes: 2
Species With Barcodes: 1

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Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD)

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Barcode of Life Data Systems

Statistics of barcoding coverage: Alitta succinea

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Specimens with Barcodes: 2
Species With Barcodes: 1

Source:

License:

Rights Holder:

Barcode of Life Data Systems

Genomic DNA is available from 2 specimens with morphological vouchers housed at National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research

Source:

Ocean Genome Resource

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Ocean Genome Legacy

Benefits

Economic/Ecological Importance: Neanthes succinea is an important trophic link between benthic detritus accumulation and energy transfer to higher-level consumers (ISSG 2007). Clam worms also take up and bioaccumulate heavy metals and organic contaminants and may act as a trophic link in moving these materials through the food web (Leatherbarrow et al. 2005, ISSG 2007). Sublethal effects from uptake of the heavy metal cadmium in terms of growth and energy conversion efficiency have been reported by Theede (1980).Neanthes succinea has significantly altered community structure in some areas where it has been introduced. In the Salton Sea, an inland salt lake in southeastern California, N. succinea had become the dominant benthic detritivore by 1979, and is a critical link in the trophic chain supporting the sport fishery on the lake (Kuhl and Oglesby 1979). Burrowing and feeding by N. succinea can alter sediment nutrient content, potentially altering community composition and also promoting bacterial activity (NIMPIS 2006).

References:

Fauchald K and PA Jumars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 17:193-284.
Bishop JM and JV Miglarese. 1978. Carnivorous Feeding in Adult Striped Mullet. Copeia 4:705-707.
Cammen LM. 1980. The significance of microbial carbon in the nutrition of the deposit feeding polychaete Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 61:9-20.
Craig SF, Thoney DA, Schlager N, and M Hutchins (eds.). 2003. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: Volume 2, Protostomes. Cengage Gale, Florence, KY. 569 p.
Detwiler PM, Coe MF, and DM Dexter. 2002. The benthic invertebrates of the Salton Sea: distribution and seasonal dynamics, Hydrobiologia 473:139-160.
Fong PP. 1987. Particle-size utilization in the introduced polychaete Neanthes succinea in San Francisco Bay. Pacific Science 41:37-43.
Fong PP. 1991. The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 149:177-190.
Hamilton DH, Jr. 1972. Polychaetes of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Science 13:S115-S117.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege HD, Zeeck E, and FT Grimm. 1990. Induction of swarming in Nereis succinea. Marine Biology 104:291-295.
Hardege JD, Bartels-Hardege H, Muller CT, and M Beckmann. 2004. Peptide pheromones in female Nereis succinea. Peptides 25:1517-1522.
Hines AH and KL Comtois. 1985. Vertical distribution of infauna in sediments of a subestuary of central Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:296-304.
Holland AF. 1985. Long-term variation of macrobenthos in a mesohaline region of Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 8:93-113.
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). 2007. Ecology of Alitta succinea. Global Invasive Species database. Available online.
Kaplan EH, Welker JR, Kraus MG, and S McCourt. 1975. Some factors affecting the colonization of a dredged channel. Marine Biology 32:193-204.
Kuhl DL, and LC Oglesby. 1979. Reproduction and survival of the pileworm Nereis succinea in higher Salton Sea salinities. Biological Bulletin 1557:153-165.
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS). 2006. Alitta succina information page. Available online.
Neuhoff H-G. 1979. Effects of seasonally varying factors on a Nereis succinea population (Polychaeta, Annelida). Marine Ecology Progress Series 1:263-268.
Oglesby LC. 1969. Salinity-stress and desiccation in intertidal worms. American Zoologist 9-319-331.
Orth RJ. 1973. Benthic infauna of eelgrass, Zostera marina, beds. Chesapeake Science 14:258-269.
Perry MC and FM Uhler. 1988. Food habits and distribution of wintering canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria, on Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 11:57-67.
Rasmussen E. 1973. Systematics and ecology of the Isefjord marine fauna (Denmark). Ophelia 11:1-507.
Theede H. 1980. Physiological responses of estuarine animals to cadmium pollution. Helgolander Meeresunters 33:26-35.
Tiffany MA, Swan BK, Watts JM, and SH Hurtlbert. 2002. Metazooplankton dynamics in the Salton Sea, California, 1997-1999, Hydrobiologia 473:103-120.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Neanthes succinea Species FactSheet. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available online.

Source:

License: