Scalibregma inflatum

Scalibregma inflatum
S. inflatum under stereo microscope
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
Family: Scalibregmatidae
Malmgren, 1867
Genus: Scalibregma
Rathke, 1843
Species: S. inflatum
Binomial name
Scalibregma inflatum
Rathke, 1843

Scalibregma inflatum, also known as T headed worm, is a burrowing marine polychaete. It is a cosmopolitan species that can be found from the Arctic to Antarctica, although most probably several species are confounded.[1]

Morphology

Up to 6 cm long with an orange body with 50–60 segments. Body is composed of a wide anterior part of segments 15–17 and a long slim posterior part. Prostomium rectangular shaped with two lateral horns making it appear as a T. peristomium without chaetae. Parapodia small and oval at first increasing in size from segments 16–18. Four pairs of branching gills dorsally on 2-5 segment with chaetae.[2][3]

Ecology

Mainly found in muddy substrate, but can also be found in sand and between stones and shells. S. inflatum is a deposit feeder. During the spawning period S. inflatum undergoe epitoky.[2][3]

Systematics

Scalibregma inflatum is found within the polychaete family Scalibregmatidae.[4] The genus Scalibregma is composed of 15 different species.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Bakken, T.; E. Oug; J.A. Kongsrud (2014). "Occurrence and distribution of Pseudoscalibregma and Scalibregma (Annelida, Scalibregmatidae) in the deep Nordic Seas, with the description of Scalibregma hanseni". Zootaxa. 3753 (2): 101–117. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3753.2.1.
  2. 1 2 Kirkegaard, J. B. (1996). Havbørsteorme II. Danmarks Fauna. 86. pp. 241–242.
  3. 1 2 Hayward, P. J. & Ryland, J. S. (1995). Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford University Press. p. 224.
  4. ↑ Bellan, G. (2008). Read G, Fauchald K, eds. "Scalibregma inflatum Rathke, 1843". World Polychaeta database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  5. ↑ Bellan, G. (2008). Read G, Fauchald K, eds. "Scalibregma Rathke, 1843". World Polychaeta database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
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