Ampharetinae | |
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Ampharete acutifrons | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Annelida |
Class: | Polychaeta |
Order: | Terebellida |
Family: | Ampharetidae |
Subfamily: | Ampharetinae Malmgren, 1866 |
Genera | |
47 genera (see text) |
Ampharetinae are a subfamily of terebellid "bristle worm" (class Polychaeta). [1] They are the largest subfamily of the Ampharetidae, of which they contain the great majority of the described genera. [2]
The majority of ampharetines are marine organisms like usual for polychaetes. However, some members of this subfamily are among the rare euryhaline polychaetes, inhabiting brackish and freshwater habitat. They are generally smallish deposit feeders which frequently live in small tubes they build from mud or similar substrate, or burrow in the sand.
The World Register of Marine Species recognizes the following 47 genera: [1]
Nereis is a genus of polychaete worms in the family Nereididae. It comprises many species, most of which are marine. Nereis possess setae and parapodia for locomotion and gas exchange. They may have two types of setae, which are found on the parapodia. Acicular setae provide support. Locomotor setae are for crawling, and are the bristles that are visible on the exterior of the Polychaeta. They are cylindrical in shape, found not only in sandy areas, and they are adapted to burrow. They often cling to seagrass (posidonia) or other grass on rocks and sometimes gather in large groups.
Aphrodita is a genus of marine polychaete worms found in the Mediterranean sea and the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean.
The Terebellidae is a marine family of polychaete worms, of which the type taxon is Terebella, described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1767 12th edition of Systema Naturae.
Harmothoe is a genus of marine Polychaete worms belonging to the family Polynoidae. Species of Harmothoe are found world-wide to depths of at least 5,000 m but are more common in shallower water.
Ampharetidae are a family of terebellid "bristle worm". As such, they belong to the order Canalipalpata, one of the three main clades of polychaetes. They appear to be most closely related to the peculiar alvinellids (Alvinellidae) which inhabit the deep sea, and somewhat less closely to the well-known trumpet worms (Pectinariidae). These three appear to form one of the main clades of terebellids.
Ampharete is a genus of polychaete annelid worms. They have a single, chevron-shaped row of teeth.
Phyllodoce is a genus of polychaete worms, which contains about 200 species. The prostomium bears eyes, two pairs of antennae and a pair of large retractile nuchal organs. The eversible proboscis is clearly divided into two parts.
Errantia, occasionally Aciculata, is a subclass of polychaete worms. These worms are found worldwide in marine environments and brackish water.
The Onuphidae are a family of polychaete worms.
Diopatra is a genus of polychaete worms in the family Onuphidae.
Amphinomidae, also known as the bristle worms or sea mice, are a family of marine polychaetes, many species of which bear chaetae mineralized with carbonate. The best-known amphinomids are the fireworms, which can cause great pain if their toxin-coated chaetae are touched or trodden on. Their relationship to other polychaete groups is somewhat poorly resolved.
Terebellides is a genus of polychaete worms in the family Trichobranchidae.
Phyllodocidae is a family of polychaete worms. Worms in this family live on the seabed and may burrow under the sediment.
Eulalia is a genus of polychaete worms.
Lepidasthenia is a genus of marine Polychaete worms belonging to the family Polynoidae. Species of Lepidasthenia are found world-wide to depths of about 1200 m but are more common in shallower water.
Eunoe is a genus of marine annelids in the family Polynoidae. The genus includes 48 species which are found world-wide, mostly from depths of 50 m or more.
Eunoe barbata is a scale worm, described from Puget Sound and Monterey Bay in the North-east Pacific Ocean.
Lepidonotus is a genus of marine annelids in the family Polynoidae. The genus occurs globally and includes 80 species, usually found in shallow waters down to about 80 metres.
Aglaophamus is a genus of free-burrowing nephtyid worms.