Is <i>Ficopomatus enigmaticus</i> (Annelida: Serpulidae) Becoming a Nuisance in Galveston Bay, Texas?

Abstract

Herein, we report the recent proliferation of the non-native serpulid worm Ficopomatus enigmaticus in parts of Galveston Bay, Texas. Reef-like aggregations were first recovered from a settlement plate and a submerged brick at the Kemah Boardwalk Marina on 4 May 2023. By 20 May, similar growths were reported to us by the Kemah Boardwalk Marina on floating docks, boat hulls, propellers, and rudders. On June 8, nearby marinas remained unaffected. We confirmed the worms’ species identities by noting their diagnostic characteristics.

Keywords

• biofouling
• invasive
• estuary
• suspension feeder
• reef building
• Gulf of Mexico