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Spintheridae
Natural History
Spintherids are either ectoparasites feeding directly on the sponge or feed commensally on the epibionts associated with the host (Fauchald & Jumars, 1979). They attach themselves using the strongly curved compound neurochaetae. Some species have been reported as living on hydrozoans. Species are inconspicuous as they are the same colour as their host.
Diversity
The Spintheridae comprises a single genus, Spinther; 12 species
are known globally. Only one species, Spinther
australiensis has been described from Australian waters,
although another occurs in Jervis Bay, New South Wales.
Description |
Identification tips |
Natural History |
Diversity |
Checklist |
References |
Identification guide
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