Teredo navalis

Shipworm

Teredo navalis, commonly known as the naval shipworm, is a species of mollusk in the family Teredinidae. Despite its common name, it is not a true worm but a type of bivalve mollusk that is notorious for boring into and damaging wooden structures submerged in seawater, such as piers, docks, and ships.

Description

Teredo navalis has a long, slender, worm-like body that can grow up to 60 cm in length, although the diameter is typically only a few millimeters. The anterior end of the body is equipped with two small, calcareous shells that are used to bore into wood. The posterior end has two siphons that extend out of the wood to filter feed on plankton and detritus from the surrounding water.

Habitat and Distribution

Teredo navalis is found in temperate and tropical marine environments worldwide. It thrives in saltwater and can tolerate a wide range of salinities. This species is particularly prevalent in coastal areas where wooden structures are common.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Teredo navalis includes a planktonic larval stage, during which the larvae are free-swimming and disperse through the water column. After a few weeks, the larvae settle on a suitable wooden substrate and begin to bore into it, where they will spend the rest of their lives. The adults are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which allows them to self-fertilize if necessary.

Impact on Human Activities

Teredo navalis is infamous for its destructive impact on wooden maritime structures. The boring activity of these shipworms can weaken and eventually destroy wooden hulls, piers, and other submerged wooden structures, leading to significant economic losses. Historically, they have been a major problem for wooden ships, contributing to the decline of wooden shipbuilding.

Control and Prevention

Various methods have been employed to protect wooden structures from Teredo navalis infestation. These include the use of chemical treatments, wood preservatives, and physical barriers such as copper sheathing. Modern approaches also involve the use of non-wooden materials for construction in marine environments.

See Also

• Shipworm
• Bivalvia
• Marine biology
• Wood preservation