Marine Annelids: the Polychaetes

• Almost all marine annelids are polychaetes (class Polychaeta), which are also known as “bristle worms” for their stiff and often sharp bristles stemming from each of their repeated segments– Bristles replaced by gills in many species– Planktonic larvae stage

Marine Annelids: the Polychaetes

• Many polychaetes live in temporary or permanent tubes– Singular or aggregations

• Tube-dwelling polychaetes are suspension feeders, using feathery tentacles to trap and capture suspended material

How about this heat?!!?

• One of the most remarkable polychates is the Pompeii worm

• Found only at hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean– Temperatures as high as 80°C (176°F)!– “Fleece-like” covering of bacteria on their backs;

the worms secrete mucus to feed the bacteria and in return, are protected by a degree of insulation on their backs

Polychaetes are pretty!

Christmas Tree Worm Free-living polychaete