Hypnidae
Hypnidae is a family of marine bristle worms in the order Phyllodocida. Hypnidae is composed of species with a wide variety of body forms and are found in a variety of marine environments, including intertidal, subtidal, and deep-sea habitats. They are known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, and some species have been observed to exhibit bioluminescence. Most species have segmented bodies, and the majority of them are small in size. Species are generally found in shallow water or intertidal zones.
Common Names
Members of the family Hypnidae are often called "hypnoids" or "leaf worms".
Characteristics
Hypnidae species share a variety of characteristics. They are typically small, with elongated, segmented bodies. Their bodies are flattened dorsoventrally, meaning they are wider than they are tall. Most Hypnidae have a pair of parapodia, fleshy appendages, on each segment that aid in movement.
Environments
Hypnidae species are found in a variety of marine environments, including intertidal, subtidal, and deep-sea habitats. They can be found on rocky shores, in sandy bottoms, and even in coral reefs. Some species are even known to live in symbiosis with other organisms, such as sea anemones and corals.
References
World Register of Marine Species