The red gills resemble feather plumes when extended out of the tube. The gills are used both for respiration and feeding.

This encrusting animal is usually found on the mid to low shore, between the barnacle and mussel zones. Can form extensive "reefs" subtidally.

As filter feeders they use the gills to filter plankton out of seawater.

Subtidal Invertebrates of New Zealand: A Divers’ Guide; Wing