Hatchet Worms [Onuphidae]

Description

Onuphidae, also known as hatchet worms, are a family of polychaete worms within the Eunicida order. This family includes species that are characterized by their strong, often bioluminescent, bodies which are adapted to a burrowing lifestyle. Some members possess a peculiar hatchet-shaped prostomium, contributing to their common name. Onuphidae species play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by contributing to the sediment turnover and are found in a variety of marine habitats, from shallow waters to the deep sea.

Genera

Taxonomy