Amblyosyllis
Amblyosyllis is a genus of marine polychaete worms in the family Syllidae. It was first described by Italian zoologist Francesco Savigny in 1818. Polychaete worms are segmented worms that have a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are found in all the world’s oceans.
Common Names
There are no common names for worms in this genus.
Characteristics
Amblyosyllis worms are typically small, measuring less than 10 mm in length. They have a cylindrical body with a distinct head and a segmented tail. The head has two pairs of antennae, two pairs of eyes, and a pair of palps. The body is covered in numerous bristles, called chaetae, that help the worm move and burrow.
Amblyosyllis species are distinguished by their characteristically short palps, a feature that gives the genus its name. They exhibit a diverse range of pigmentation, with some species displaying vibrant colors while others are more muted in appearance.
Environments
Amblyosyllis worms are found in a variety of marine habitats, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Subtidal zones
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass meadows
These worms are typically found on or under rocks, shells, or other hard substrates. They are also known to be associated with other marine invertebrates, such as sponges and sea anemones.
References
For more information, see the following: