SPIONIDAE

Mead, A., Carlton, J. T., Griffiths, C. L. & Rius, M., 2011, Introduced and cryptogenic marine and estuarine species of South Africa, Journal of Natural History 45 (39 - 40), pp. 2463-2524 : 2478

Family SPIONIDAE

Polydora hoplura Claparede, 1870 Introduced

This well-known European mudworm was first reported from the southern hemisphere by Millard (1952) as “ Polydora hoplura ? (common)” in fouling in Table Bay Docks on the south coast. This was based upon specimens collected as early as 1947. Day (1967) noted intertidal and shallow water stations in South Africa from Saldahna Bay (west coast) to Plettenberg Bay on the south coast. It was next found in New Zealand by Read (1975), based upon specimens collected in 1972. Read’s independent determination of this species from New Zealand lends support to Day’s identification of this species from South Africa. We accept this species as an introduction, pending genetic confirmation that these populations are derived from Europe. Nel et al. (1996) reported upon the forming of mud blisters and infestations by Polydora hoplura in commercially reared oysters in South Africa. In 2006, Simon et al. found this species to be one of several spionids infesting cultured South African abalone farms, where it was subsequently reported from farms in Saldahna Bay and Hermanus on the same species ( Simon et al. 2006; Simon and Booth 2007).

Boccardia proboscidea Hartman, 1940 Within aquaculture facilities

Boccardia proboscidea is a tube-dwelling polychaete often found on the surfaces of oysters, abalones and other molluscs. It originates from the North Pacific Ocean and is considered to be an introduction to Australia ( Blake and Ruff 2007). Simon et al. (2006) first reported this species in South Africa, based on specimens collected in 2004. It is one of several spionids embedded within the shells of Haliotis midae cultured in abalone farms. In addition, Boccardia proboscidea has been collected from abalone farms in Jakobsbaai (near Saldahna Bay) and Hermanus. Subsequently, Boccardia proboscidea has been found embedded within oyster shells from farms in Knysna and Alexander Bay (T. Haupt, personal communication 2009). To date, wild populations have not been identified ( Simon and Booth 2007; Simon et al. 2009), so this species will not be counted within the overall number of wild introductions. However, it should be noted that this species has not been looked for within open environments outside aquaculture facilities.