Image Key > Annelida

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Spionidae Palp Worms	Magelonidae Magelonid Worms	Tomopteridae Tomopteris Worms	Trochophora Marine Larva

• Variable.

• Approximately 9,000 species (almost all marine).
• Polychaeta means ‘many-bristled’.

• Well developed heads compared to other annelids.

• Widely distributed throughout the world.

• Can occur at the following pelagial stages:
  • Larval stages lasting a few hours to several weeks.
  • Modified swimming stages of mature males or females.
  • Totally transparent pelagic holoplanktonic species (e.g. Tomopteridae).
• Enormous diversity of reproductive strategies.