The prostomium is flattened and shovel-shaped with one pair
of palps attached ventro-laterally; nuchal
organs are absent. The palps are round basally and have an
expanded papillated distal region. The pharynx is eversible;
jaws are absent. The first segment, in adults, lacks parapodia
and chaetae. The parapodia of remaining segments are
biramous; each ramus has a low ridge of chaetae and
supporting podial lobes. Dorsal and ventral cirri, and
branchiae are absent. Aciculae are absent. Chaetae are simple;
capillaries and dentate hooded hooks are present. Chaetae of chaetiger 9 are modified spinelike capillaries. One pair of pygidial cirri is
present.
The above description is taken from Wilson (2000), which in turn is based on Fauchald & Rouse (1997).
Identification tips
Recognising the family
The flattened shovel-shaped prostomium of the Magelonidae is readily recognised and is unlike any other polychaete. Palps are often lost.
Distinguishing species
Currently only one genus, Magelona, is known. The principal characters used to distinguish species are the characteristics of the chaetae of chaetiger 9. In Australia it is suspected that many species remain to be described.
