Spiochaetopterus [Spiochaetopterus]

Description

Spiochaetopterus is a genus within the Chaetopteridae family, known for its marine polychaete worms that inhabit sandy or muddy substrates. These worms construct and live within tubes that they build from sand grains and mucus. Characteristically, Spiochaetopterus species have a segmented body plan typical of polychaetes but are distinguished by their specialized feeding appendages and ciliated grooves, which they use to capture and transport food particles to their mouths. They are an important part of the benthic ecosystem, contributing to the breakdown of organic materials and serving as a food source for other marine animals.

Species

Gulf Spiochaetopterus [Spiochaetopterus gulfensis]

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Taxonomy