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A tomopteris polychaete, preserved specimen (please note this specimen is not collected in Tasmanian waters, but is from the Antarctic region).
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Image Key > Annelida > Tomopteridae
Tomopteridae
Eschscholtz 1825
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Annelida |
| Class |
Polychaeta |
| Order |
Aciculata |
| Family |
Tomopteridae |
| Genus |
Tomopteris |
Size
- Females 50 – 100 mm.
- Males up to 60 mm.
Description
- In Greek means ‘a cut’ and ‘wing’.
- Approximately 60 species.
Distinguishing characteristics
- Transparent.
- Deeply divided forked fin-like organs (parapodia).
- Prostomium; with a single pair of lensed eyes.
- One pair of tapering, unarticulated palps.
- First segment bears one pair of very long tentacular cirri.
- One of the few marine animals with yellow bioluminescence.
Distribution
Ecology
- Holopelagic.
- Juveniles occur mostly at surface whilst adults are found deeper.
- Predatory and carnivorous. Feed on chaetognaths, tunicates and fish larvae.
- Spawning takes place year round.
- Life history is largely unknown.
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