Aphrodita
Aphrodita is a genus of marine polychaete worms, commonly known as sea mouse. These worms are characterized by their flattened, oval-shaped bodies, covered in hair-like setae that resemble fur. The genus is named after the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, due to their striking appearance. Sea mice are found in a variety of marine habitats, including sandy and muddy bottoms, as well as among seaweeds and rocks, throughout the world’s oceans.
Characteristics
Aphrodita species possess several distinguishing features:
- Body Shape: Flattened, oval-shaped body with a distinct head and tail.
- Setae: Covered in numerous, hair-like setae that can be brightly colored, often in shades of red, orange, or brown.
- Size: Typically range from 1 to 10 centimeters in length, with some species reaching larger sizes.
- Mouth: Located on the ventral side of the body, equipped with a pair of jaws for capturing prey.
- Parapodia: Paired fleshy appendages along the sides of the body, containing bristle-like setae for locomotion and burrowing.
Environments
Aphrodita species are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deeper ocean regions. They are generally found in areas with soft sediment, such as sand, mud, or clay, where they burrow and feed.
References
For further information about Aphrodita, please refer to the following resources: