Segmented Worms

Name

Polychaeta

Size

<1cm to approx 3m

Characteristics

• Segmented body

• Well-defined head with sensory and feeding appendages

• Each body segment usually bears 1 pair of parapodia with bristles

Threats

A small number of polychaetes have been identified as threatened in the Indo-Pacific region, due to over harvesting and habitat loss.

Did you know?

Several groups of polychaetes undergo mass spawning, relying on environmental factors such as water temperature and light levels for the right cue.