Fanworms: nature’s eye factories

The diversity of eyes in nature is truly astonishing. Perhaps no other animal demonstrates the evolutionary peculiarities of eyes quite so well as the fanworm. They have been described by the scientists who study them as ‘eye-factories’, with almost every species favouring a slightly different type of eye. From no eyes to complex compound eyes the fanworm family has them all.

A ‘beautiful worm’ might seem like a contradiction in terms, but fanworms have an intricate beauty all of their own. Their name comes from the colourful fan-like fronds they have on their heads. These fans are not only beautiful, but crucial for the lifestyle and survival of this strange animal.