Tubulanidae

The Tubulanidae are a family of predatory marine worms in the order Tubulenta, which are in the class Neorhabdocoela, which are in the phylum Platyhelminthes. They are commonly known as “tubulanid worms” or “tube worms”.

Characteristics

Tubulanidae are characterized by their long, slender, cylindrical bodies. They have a distinct head region with a mouth opening and a pair of sensory tentacles. They lack eyes and have a simple nervous system. Tubulanidae are carnivores and feed on other invertebrates, including polychaetes, crustaceans, and other worms.

Environment

Tubulanidae are found in a variety of marine environments worldwide, including intertidal zones, subtidal zones, and deep-sea environments. They prefer sandy, muddy, or rocky substrates. Some species are also known to live in association with other invertebrates, such as sponges and corals.

Examples

Some common examples of tubulanid worms include:

  • Tubulanus polymorphus
  • Prostheceraeus vittatus
  • Paratubulanus pellucida

References

For more information on Tubulanidae, you can consult the following resources: