Chaetopterus [Chaetopterus]

Description

Chaetopterus is a well-known genus within the family Chaetopteridae, recognized for its unique tube-dwelling polychaete worms. Members of this genus construct and inhabit U-shaped tubes in the sediment of marine environments. These worms are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are divided into three distinct regions, each serving different functions such as feeding, digestion, and reproduction. Chaetopterus species are filter feeders, employing mucus nets to capture plankton and other particles from the water. They are notable for their bioluminescent capabilities, which are thought to serve as a defense mechanism against predators.

Species

Deep-sea Parchment Tube Worm [Chaetopterus pergamentaceus]

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Taxonomy