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Ctenodrilidae
Natural History
Ctenodrilids are small, grub-like polychaetes lacking appendages and parapodia and with little differentiation along the length of their relatively short bodies. They have simple chaetae. Most ctenodrilids are found on soft sediments and are probably deposit-feeders, stirring up detritus using the eversible lower lip and feeding on benthic diatoms as well as detritus. However, one species has been reported as a commensal on a sea urchin. Little is known about this family, although some species have been found around oil platforms suggesting they may have a high tolerance to hydrocarbon pollution. They are typically found in the bottom of laboratory aquaria suggesting they can be introduced through the sea water circulation system.
Diversity
Currently there are no published records of Ctenodrilidae from Australia, although material has been collected from coarse sediments at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, and from coral substrates in the Coral Sea (Hutchings, 2000).
Description |
Identification tips |
Natural History |
Diversity |
Checklist |
References |
Identification guide
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