Nephtyidae
Nephtyidae | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Nephtys hombergii | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Annelida |
Class: | Polychaeta |
Order: | Phyllodocida |
Family: | Nephtyidae |
Genera | |
Aglaophamus |
Nephtyidae is a taxonomic family of polychaete worms. They are commonly referred to as catworms.
Characteristics
Nephtyidae are pale, clearly segmented polychaetes with a small pentagonal prostomium with two pairs of small antennae. Their segments are little differentiated and have a rectangular cross-section.
Nephtyids are active predators, with a strong muscular proboscis, armed with two well developed jaws.
They can dig relatively fast through sandy sediments. They can also swim with sinuous movements.
![](../I/m/Nephtyidae_polychaetes.jpg)
Nepthyidae polychaetes, found off the Palmer Peninsula, Antarctica, 1962.
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nephtyidae. |
This article is issued from
Wikipedia.
The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike.
Additional terms may apply for the media files.