IN THE GALEOLARIA ZONE

Galeolaria gemineoa is a Serpulid worm, endemic to Australia and New Zealand. It's limy worm-tubes cover the rocks below the mid-tide level, and down to the cunjevoi zone, forming dense crustations that provide shelter and food for an assortment of marine organisms. A close-up look can reveal an interesting ecosystem.

 

The Galeolaria zone of the southern Brunswick Heads seawall. Often exposed to heavy swell
action and sand movement.

A section of the Galeolaria zone at Hastings Point, in an area protected from direct swell action.

Galeolaria worm removed from tube.

Not a small crab but the operculum of Galeolaria gemineoa.

Exposed tentacles of the branchial crown, used for capturing food, and as gills.

A pair of carnivorous muricids - Morula marginalba.

The tiny chiton Acanthochitona retrojecta, a common inhabitant of the Galeolaria zone.

Unidentified anemones.. juvenile Actinia tenebrosa?

A pair of Fissurellid limpets Montfortula rugosa.

Unidentified anemones

3 Wentletraps Epitonium jukesianum, feeding on anemones and also laying egg strands.

A group of Pyramidellids, Pseudoskenella depressa, feeding on the live Galeolaria worms.

Tiny bivalves, Lasaea australis, living in holes amongst the Galeolaria tubes.

Unidentified Syllid worm found in Galeolaria

Juvenile Cart-rut shells Dicathais orbita.

Unidentified encrusting sponge.

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© All images Copyright 2026 Denis Riek. All rights reserved.