The Spiny Scaleworm – Iphione muricata is a marine worm belonging to the family Iphionidae. Its distinctive spiny scales and elongated body are characteristic features of this species. Found in a variety of marine environments, it plays a crucial role in the intricate web of life within these ecosystems.
Description & Characteristics
The Iphione muricata is characterized by its elongated body, typically reaching a maximum size of several centimeters. Its body is covered in numerous scales, each adorned with sharp spines. These scales are responsible for its common name, the “Spiny Scaleworm”. The worm exhibits a segmented body structure, a defining feature of polychaetes, with each segment possessing a pair of parapodia, fleshy appendages used for locomotion and respiration.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Spiny Scaleworm – Iphione muricata is a widely distributed species, found in various marine environments around the world. It is particularly prevalent in shallow coastal waters, including intertidal zones, rocky shores, and seagrass meadows. This species can tolerate a wide range of salinities and water temperatures, contributing to its widespread occurrence.
Taxonomy
The Spiny Scaleworm – Iphione muricata is classified within the phylum Annelida, belonging to the class Polychaeta, which encompasses a diverse array of marine worms. The species falls within the order Phyllodocida, a group known for their flattened bodies and well-developed parapodia. It is further classified within the family Iphionidae, a group of polychaetes characterized by their spiny scales and specialized feeding structures.
Feeding
The Iphione muricata is a carnivore, feeding primarily on small invertebrates. Its feeding apparatus is adapted for capturing and consuming prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, and other polychaetes. The worm uses its sharp spines and parapodia to grasp and hold onto its prey, effectively immobilizing it before consuming it.
Image References