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Serpulid Reefwatch During summer 2003, the public were given a rare insight into the underwater world of serpulid reefs through Serpulid Reefwatch run by the Scottish Association of Marine Science. Live underwater television pictures, relayed from the reefs, formed the centre of an exhibit set up in the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary Loch Creran, with the aid of a grant from Scottish Natural Heritage. The behaviour of serpulid reef worms and creatures associated with the reefs was recorded using time-lapse video. Video evidence showed the sensitivity of the worms to disturbance - any movement nearby or sudden drop in light levels, such as that caused by a fish swimming overhead, and they snap back into their tubes transforming the rainbow-coloured reef to a ghostly white sculpture. A number of animals associated with the reef appeared to be influenced by the day/night cycle. Click below to see the reef in action:
For more information on Serpulid Reefwatch and other serpulid research contact |