Cirratulidae
Cirratulidae is a family of marine polychaete worms in the order Terebellida. Cirratulids are generally small, slender, and often brightly colored worms, often with a distinctive segmented body, and possessing numerous, fine, hair-like cirri (or “tentacles”). They are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow intertidal areas to deep-sea trenches. Cirratulids are important members of benthic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and sediment reworking.
Common Names
Cirratulids are commonly known as "cirrate worms", "tentacle worms", or "feather-duster worms" due to the numerous cirri they possess.
Characteristics
Cirratulids have the following characteristics:
- Slender, elongated bodies with a distinct segmentation
- A well-developed prostomium (head) with sensory palps
- Numerous, fine, hair-like cirri that arise from the body segments
- A pair of parapodia (fleshy appendages) on each body segment
- A distinct anal segment with a terminal anus
- A variety of feeding strategies, including deposit feeding, suspension feeding, and scavenging
Environments
Cirratulids are found in a wide variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Subtidal areas
- Deep-sea trenches
- Estuaries
- Coral reefs
They are often found in soft sediments, such as sand, mud, or gravel, where they burrow into the substrate. Some species can also be found in rocky or coral environments.
References
For more information, refer to the following sources: