Palolo Worm [Palola viridis]
Description
Palolo viridis, commonly known as the Palolo Worm, is a marine polychaete worm that is found in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is best known for its unusual reproductive behavior, where it releases its gametes into the water column during specific lunar phases. The posterior part of the body, which contains the gametes, breaks off and swims to the surface, where it bursts and releases the gametes for external fertilization. This part of the body is brightly colored and is a delicacy in some Pacific cultures. The anterior part, which does not participate in reproduction, continues to live and can regenerate the posterior part for the next reproductive cycle.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Aciculata
Aciculata
|
| Family |
Eunicids
Eunicidae
|
| Genus |
Palola
Palola
|