Euplexauridae
Euplexauridae is a family of marine bristle worms belonging to the order Phyllodocida. They are commonly known as “feather duster worms” due to their characteristic appearance. These worms are found in various marine environments worldwide, primarily in shallow waters.
Common Names
Members of the Euplexauridae family are commonly referred to as feather duster worms, tube worms, or fan worms.
Characteristics
Euplexauridae worms are distinguished by their distinctive body structures, including:
- Branchial plumes: These are feathery appendages that extend from the head and are used for filter feeding.
- Tube-dwelling habit: Euplexauridae worms construct tubes from a variety of materials, including sand, mucus, and organic debris.
- Setae: The worms possess specialized bristles called setae, which help them move and anchor themselves within their tubes.
- Proboscis: They have a long, extensible proboscis that they use to capture food.
Environments
Euplexauridae worms are found in various marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are common in shallow coastal waters, especially in rocky or sandy areas.
- Coral reefs: These worms can be found in association with coral reefs.
- Intertidal zones: Some species are adapted to living in intertidal zones where they are exposed to varying salinity and temperature.
References
World Register of Marine Species
A new species of feather duster worm (Euplexauridae) from the Red Sea