Diopatra claparedii

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Diopatra claparedii
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Subclass: Errantia
Order: Eunicida
Family: Onuphidae
Genus: Diopatra
Species:
D. claparedii
Binomial name
Diopatra claparedii
Grube, 1878

Diopatra claparedii is a species of tube-building polychaete worm of the family Onuphidae. It is found dispersed along intertidal and subtidal benthic environments of South Asian waters, especially along the coasts of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. [1] This species is exploited by humans for fishing bait, indication of marine pollution, and as gold and silver nanoparticle biosynthesis agents. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Ecology

Diopatra claparedii are tubicolous, meaning they reside in a tube for much of their life cycle. [5] The tube is formed from sediment, rock, organic matter, and a mucus that the worm excretes, and can range from 30-60 cm in length, found in burrowed into sediments of littoral environments of South Asian coastal waters, with varying lengths visible above ground. [2] [6] Though other species of Diopatra adorn their tubes with shells or protruding rocks, D. claparedii primarily utilizes mangrove leaves, larger pieces of which can be seen at the end protruding into the water column, and are sometimes used to 'cap' the tube. [7] [2]

Trochophore larvae of D. claparedii are pelagic and swim using cilia for just a few days before the larva begins to develop the characteristic chaetigers of adult polychaetes and begins building the tube. [8] The adult worm does not leave the tube for the rest of its life cycle, except for brief extensions of the anterior end for feeding on nearby sediments and organisms, and exuding reproductive products. [5] [7] This makes the worm an important ecosystem engineer, along with the rest of the genus Diopatra, because the tubes penetrate the sediment, help stabilize it and prevent erosion, and create spaces between neighboring tube protrusions as well as cavities within the tubes themselves that allow small organisms to shelter or evade predation. [9]

Diopatra claparedii are omnivorous, and primarily feed on algal growths on or near the tube, nearby polychaetes, as well as various planktonic invertebrates. [5] The tubes they reside in are thought to help with predator evasion, as movement near the worms causes them to retract rapidly into the tube. [7] [10] Additionally, the worms use hydrostatically pressurized parapodia and setae to pierce the sides of the tube, providing traction that limits extraction from the tube. [6] Some setae along the body of the worm are specialized, and feature hooks that allow better attachment to the tube. [6]

Reproduction

Diopatra reproduce by broadcast spawning and subsequently, by random fertilization. Many adults of this genus are protandrous sequential hermaphrodites, likely due to the fitness benefits of first existing in a larger male form for competitive advantages in occupying space and prey capture. [8] Though previously assumed to be gonochoristic, since eggs or sperm (but not both) can be found on the body wall of sexually mature adults, there are now observations of at least 3 species' life cycles in Diopatra known to be protandrous sequential hermaphrodites, indicating it is likely more widespread within the genus, especially since previous accounts suggesting gonochorism do not observe the entire life cycle of the worm. [11] [12] [13] Broadcast spawning is also a discrete, annual event, in which case adults exude gametes into the water column above the sediment bed where the tubeworms reside, though the neurobiological mechanism by which the animal recognizes the timing for spawning is not well understood. [8]

Development

There have not been specific analyses of D. claparedii development, but studies of Diopatra more generally indicate that other members of the genus exhibit spiral cleavage, and develop indirectly from fertilized eggs to a ciliate trochophore larval form that is briefly pelagic, or, in some cases, occupies the tube formed by the parent. [14] Uniquely, the development from zygote to ciliated larva only takes three hours in some cases, making it a very rapid process. [14] From there, the trochophore metamorphoses into a metatrochophore, which exhibits chaetigers and parapodia as the adult does, though far fewer, and begins building the tube structure where it will develop into an adult with more numerous segments. [8]

Physiology

Diopatra claparedii is a dark, reddish brown polychaete, with many lateral parapodia, as well as specialized sensory appendages such as tentacular cirri and antenna on the anterior end of the worm. In Diopatra, the anterior end of the worms are cylindrical, while the posterior end exhibits dorsoventral flattening. [15] The main body consists of repeating segments called chaetigers, each with a pair of parapodia containing setae, the function of which varies depending on where on the body the chaetiger is located. The body of D. claparedii may have between 35 and 150 chaetigers, and those near the posterior and anterior ends have hook-like setae to assist with attachment to the tube. Setae in the middle of the worm tend to be serrate, rather than hooked, and have a number of different potential structural patterns, including bidentate, pseudocompound bidentate, and fulcate. [6] The anterior end of the worm houses several key structures: palps, antennae, a prostomium with a mouth, peristomial cirri, and the characteristic spiraled branchiae that set the genus Diopatra apart from other sedentary polychaetes. [8] [6]

Additionally, the nervous system of D. claparedii is of special research interest, because it is able to undergo both anterior and posterior regeneration. Regeneration is a common feature among annelids and, within them, polychaetes, but the ability to regrow from both ends of the body is not as widespread. This ability also helps them to survive predation, as when part of the body is pulled from the tube, the remaining segments may regrow the anterior end of the worm, though this process is subject to the degree of body fragmentation. [10]

Evolution

Diopatra claparedii belongs to the Phylum Annelida, Class Polychaeta, Order Eunicida, in the Family Onuphidae. [1] [16] Uniquely, the genus Diopatra is defined by a single characteristic that has not changed since the creation of the taxonomic group– the spirally-arranged branchial filaments around the trunk of the worm. However, within Diopatra, there are not clear, distinctive features between species, and as such, identification has remained difficult and sometimes erroneous in literature across geographic regions. [8]

Impacts on humans and technology

Interestingly, D. claparedii has potential for use in the sphere of nanotechnology. Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs, AuNPs) often requires harsh and ecologically toxic reagents and chemicals. New directions aim to identify greener ways of synthesizing these important nanoparticles, including use of polychaete tissues as a reduction agent. [3] [4] Either physical or chemical reduction is used to create the silver or gold nanoparticles, and it has been found that frozen, pulverized D. claparedii tissue has reduction action that can successfully aid in the creation of the nanoparticles. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polychaete</span> Class of annelid worms

Polychaeta is a paraphyletic class of generally marine annelid worms, commonly called bristle worms or polychaetes. Each body segment has a pair of fleshy protrusions called parapodia that bear many bristles, called chaetae, which are made of chitin. More than 10,000 species are described in this class. Common representatives include the lugworm and the sandworm or clam worm Alitta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chaeta</span> Chitinous bristle found on annelid worms

A chaeta or cheta is a chitinous bristle or seta found on annelid worms, although the term is also frequently used to describe similar structures in other invertebrates such as arthropods. Polychaete annelids are named for their chaetae. In Polychaeta, chaetae are found as bundles on the parapodia, paired appendages on the side of the body. The chaetae are epidermal, extracellular structures, and clearly visible in most polychaetes. They are probably the best-studied structures in these animals. Segments bearing chaetae are called chaetigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitellata</span> Class of annelid worms

The Clitellata are a class of annelid worms, characterized by having a clitellum – the 'collar' that forms a reproductive cocoon during part of their life cycles. The clitellates comprise around 8,000 species. Unlike the class of Polychaeta, they do not have parapodia and their heads are less developed.

<i>Australonuphis</i> Genus of annelids

Australonuphis, commonly called Australian beach worms, are a genus of polychaetous annelid of the family Onuphidae that inhabit the intertidal zone of coastal beaches and are attracted to the surface by the stimulus of food. They are sought by anglers to be used as bait for fishing. Some species can grow more than two metres in length. They are blind but have a very good sense of smell, and eat decaying meat, fish and seaweeds that have washed to shore.

<i>Serpula</i> Genus of annelid worms

Serpula is a genus of sessile, marine annelid tube worms that belongs to the family Serpulidae. Serpulid worms are very similar to tube worms of the closely related sabellid family, except that the former possess a cartilaginous operculum that occludes the entrance to their protective tube after the animal has withdrawn into it. The most distinctive feature of worms of the genus Serpula is their colorful fan-shaped "crown". The crown, used by these animals for respiration and alimentation, is the structure that is most commonly seen by scuba divers and other casual observers.

<i>Alitta succinea</i> Common clam worm

Alitta succinea is a species of marine annelid in the family Nereididae. It has been recorded throughout the North West Atlantic, as well as in the Gulf of Maine and South Africa.

<i>Capitella teleta</i> Species of annelid

Capitella teleta is a small, cosmopolitan, segmented annelid worm. It is a well-studied invertebrate, which has been cultured for use in laboratories for over 30 years. C. teleta is the first marine polychaete to have its genome sequenced.

<i>Pomatoceros triqueter</i> Species of annelid worm

Pomatoceros triqueter is a species of tube-building annelid worm in the class Polychaeta. It is common on the north eastern coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea.

<i>Sabellastarte spectabilis</i> Species of annelid worm

Sabellastarte spectabilis is a species of benthic marine polychaete worm in the Sabellidae family. It is commonly known as the feather duster worm, feather duster or fan worm. It is native to tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific but has spread to other parts of the world. It is popular in aquariums because of its distinctive appearance and its ability to remove organic particles and improve water quality.

<i>Amphitrite ornata</i> Species of annelid worm

Amphitrite ornata or ornate worm, is a species of marine polychaete worm in the family Terebellidae.

<i>Cirratulus cirratus</i> Species of annelid worm

Cirratulus cirratus is a species of marine polychaete worm in the family Cirratulidae. It occurs in the littoral and sub-littoral zones of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Onuphidae are a family of polychaete worms.

<i>Diopatra</i> Genus of annelid worms

Diopatra is a genus of polychaete worms in the family Onuphidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annelid</span> Phylum of segmented worms

The annelids, also known as the segmented worms, are a large phylum, with over 22,000 extant species including ragworms, earthworms, and leeches. The species exist in and have adapted to various ecologies – some in marine environments as distinct as tidal zones and hydrothermal vents, others in fresh water, and yet others in moist terrestrial environments.

Prosphaerosyllis battiri is a species belonging to the phylum Annelida, a group known as the segmented worms. The species name comes from an Aboriginal word, battiri, meaning "rough". Prosphaerosyllis battiri is a species characterized by having only partially fused palps, an unretracted prostomium on its peristomium or showing only slight retraction, the shape of its dorsal cirri and its arrangement of papillae, being numerous anteriorly while less numerous posteriorly. It resembles Prosphaerosyllis semiverrucosa, but its arrangement of dorsal papillae is reversed.

Ophryotrocha craigsmithi is a species of polychaete worm. O. craigsmithi is named after Craig R. Smith. This species is similar to Palpiphitime lipovskyae and O. Platykephale, among others, in having branchial structures dorsally and ventrally. It differs from O. platykephale in the shape of its prostomium and parapodia. Palpiphitime lipovskyae has jaws of both P- and K-type, while no specimens of O. craigsmithi have been found with K-type jaws thus far. Ophryotrocha craigsmithi differs from P. lipovskyae genetically, but also by the presence of a prominent ventral chaetal lobe with a bulging simple chaeta in the former.

<i>Diopatra cuprea</i> Species of annelid worm

Diopatra cuprea, commonly known as the plumed worm, decorator worm or sometimes ornate worm, is a species of polychaete worm in the family Onuphidae, first described by the French entomologist Louis Augustin Guillaume Bosc in 1802. It is native to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

<i>Eulagisca gigantea</i> Species of annelid worm

Eulagisca gigantea is a species of scale worm. This species is specifically found in the deep-sea in cold waters like the Antarctic Ocean. The scale worms are named for the elytra on their surface that look like scales.

<i>Poeobius</i> Species of annelid worm

Poeobius is a genus of marine polychaete worm. It contains the single species Poeobius meseres, or balloon worm. This is a common and abundant resident in the midwater around the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, especially in Monterey Bay. They can be found at around 300-2,500 m depth from Japan to Alaska to the Gulf of California, and have also been reported in South America.

<i>Buskiella</i> Genus of pelagic polychaetes

Buskiella is a genus of pelagic polychaete annelids placed either in the family Flotidae or Flabelligeridae. In appearance, they are generally bluish or yellowish, depending on lighting conditions, and live exclusively in very deep water. They move by swinging their bodies from side to side, "rowing with [their] bristles." Species have nine to eleven chaetigers.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Idris, I., & Arshad, A. (2013). Checklist of polychaetous annelids in Malaysia with redescription of two commercially exploited species. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8(3), 409-436.
  2. 1 2 3 Pamungkas, J., Atang, A., & Wibowo, E. S. (2023). FIRST RECORD OF DIOPATRA CLAPAREDII GRUBE, 1878 (ONUPHIDAE, POLYCHAETA) FROM INDONESIAN WATERS, WITH SOME NOTES ON ITS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE. Treubia, 50(1), 11-20.
  3. 1 2 Hussain, N. S., Harun, N. A., Radzi, M. N. F. M., Idris, I., & Ismail, W. I. W. (2018). Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from marine polychaete diopatra claparedii grube, 1878. Jurnal Teknologi, 80(6), 181-187.
  4. 1 2 3 Huai, P. C., Harun, N. A., Pei, A. U. E., Masimen, M. A. A., Ismail, W. I. W., & Idris, I. (2021). Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) by Diopatra claparedii Grube, 1878 (Polychaeta: Onuphidae) and Its Antibacterial Activity. Sains Malaysiana, 50(5), 1309-1320.
  5. 1 2 3 Berke, S. K. (2022). A review of Diopatra Ecology: Current knowledge, open questions, and future threats for an ecosystem engineering Polychaete. Biology, 11(10), 1485.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Paxton, H. (2002). Diopatra Audouin and Milne Edwards (Polychaeta: Onuphidae) from Thailand. Phuket Marine Biological Center Special Publication, 24, 101-114.
  7. 1 2 3 Brenchley, G. A. (1976). Predator detection and avoidance: ornamentation of tube-caps of Diopatra spp.(Polychaeta: Onuphidae). Marine Biology, 38, 179-188.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Arias, A., Woodin, S. A., & Paxton, H. (2023). An Introduction to Diopatra, the Amazing Ecosystem Engineering Polychaete. Biology, 12(7), 1027.
  9. ↑ Woodin, S. A. (1978). Refuges, disturbance, and community structure: a marine soft‐bottom example. Ecology, 59(2), 274-284.
  10. 1 2 Nazri, M. U. I. A., Mahmud, M. H., Saidi, B., Isa, M. N. M., Ehsak, Z., Ross, O., ... & Ismail, W. I. W. (2021). Cellular and molecular profiles of anterior nervous system regeneration in Diopatra claparedii Grube, 1878 (Annelida, Polychaeta). Heliyon, 7(2).
  11. ↑ Arias, A., Richter, A., Anadón, N., & Paxton, H. (2013). Evidence of simultaneous hermaphroditism in the brooding Diopatra marocensis (Annelida: Onuphidae) from northern Spain. Journal of the marine biological Association of the United Kingdom, 93(6), 1533-1542.
  12. ↑ Arias, A., & Paxton, H. (2015). The cryptogenic bait worm Diopatra biscayensis Fauchald et al., 2012 (Annelida: Onuphidae)–Revisiting its history, biology and ecology. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 163, 22-36.
  13. ↑ Arias, A., Paxton, H., & Budaeva, N. (2016). Redescription and biology of Diopatra neapolitana (Annelida: Onuphidae), a protandric hermaphrodite with external spermaducal papillae. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 174, 1-17.
  14. 1 2 Allen, M. (1959). Embryological development of the polychaetous annelid, Diopatra cuprea (Bosc). The Biological Bulletin, 116(3), 339–361.
  15. ↑ Tong, T. L., & Chou, L. M. (1996). Diopatra bulohensis, a new species of Onuphidae (Polychaeta) from Sungei Buloh, Singapore.
  16. ↑ Rouse, G.W. and Fauchald, K. (1997), Cladistics and polychaetes. Zoologica Scripta,26: 139-204.
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