Dorvilleidae

Natural History

Dorvilleids may be free living, symbiotic or parasitic. Species range considerably in size, from minute interstitial forms to species several cm in length. Most free living dorvilleids are carnivores although some can survive on a herbivorous diet (Fauchald & Jumars, 1979); others appear to be detrivores. Commensal or parasitic species live in the branchial cavities or on the carapace of decapod crustaceans (Marin et al., 1991). Dorvilleids are recorded from all depths in the marine environment.

Diversity

Description | Identification tips | Natural History | Diversity | Checklist | References | Interactive Key