Glyceridae
Glyceridae is a family of polychaete worms.[1] They are commonly referred to as beak-thrower worms or bloodworms. They are bright red, segmented, aquatic worms. The proboscis worm Glycera is sometimes called bloodworm. The Glyceridae are ferocious epi- and infaunal polychaetes that prey upon small invertebrates. They are errant burrowers that build galleries of interconnected tubes to aid in catching their prey.
Glyceridae | |
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Glycera alba with everted proboscis. | |
Scientific classification | |
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Phylum: | |
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Suborder: | Glyceriformia |
Family: | Glyceridae Grube, 1850 |
Genera | |
Glycera |
Characteristics
- Pointy snout used for burrowing in sediment
- No septa in anterior part of bodies
- Rely on peristalsis to move
- Explosively evert pharynx into sediment, anchor position with prostomium and pull body forward.
- Eversible pharynx also used in prey capture: 4 poisonous fangs
gollark: This is a "thought experiment".
gollark: Imagine using ae instead of æ.
gollark: Well, no, because there are different eþical systems.
gollark: ...
gollark: "Rational" assuming what goals?
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