Notobryon
Notobryon is a genus of marine annelid worms in the family Pectinariidae. These worms are commonly known as “fan worms” or “sand-mason worms” due to their distinctive fan-shaped feeding appendages. The genus is characterized by its unique morphology and its ability to construct tubes from sand grains, providing protection and a stable habitat.
Characteristics
Members of the Notobryon genus are characterized by a number of distinct features:
- Fan-shaped feeding appendages: The most prominent feature of Notobryon worms is their fan-shaped feeding appendages, which are covered in cilia and used to capture food particles from the surrounding water.
- Tube dwelling: Like other pectinariids, Notobryon worms are tube dwelling, constructing their tubes from sand grains. The tubes are typically U-shaped and provide protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
- Segmented body: Notobryon worms, like all annelids, possess a segmented body, with each segment bearing a pair of parapodia, which are fleshy, paddle-like appendages used for locomotion.
- Two pairs of eyes: Notobryon worms typically have two pairs of eyes located on their prostomium, the first segment of their body. These eyes are sensitive to light and help the worms navigate their surroundings.
Environments
Notobryon worms are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones: Notobryon species can be found in both the upper and lower intertidal zones, where they are exposed to fluctuating water levels and temperatures.
- Subtidal zones: Some species of Notobryon are found in the subtidal zone, below the low tide mark.
- Deep-sea environments: Certain Notobryon species have been discovered in deep-sea environments, where they play an important role in sediment processing and food webs.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Notobryon L. Cuvier, 1817: a taxonomic review with the description of three new species from Brazil