This tubeworm commonly encrusts jetty pylons and rocks in a particular band of the intertidal zone. Often, it so thickly encrusts its substrate that in some areas it has been given the name "Sydney Coral". The calcareous tubes are white in colour and serpentine, with deep slits at the opening, sometimes encrusting the substrate several layers thick. The crown of dark grey tentacles is protected by a white operculum. Care should be taken around encrusted surfaces, as abrasions can occur.
