Eunicidae are among the largest polychaetes. Most of them are found in shallow, rocky habitats. They are considered to be carnivores. Some species live in tubes; others burrow in limestone.    

  Most Eunicidae are vermiform and elongated in body shape.

Whole segment

   Prostomium has 1-5 occipital antennae.

   Palps are variable in different species. They can be of digitiform or globular form, but in most species, the two palps are completely fused one to the other. The anterior margin of the prostomium then appears to be smoothly rounded.

  Muscular pharynx armed with a ventral pair of mandibles and toothed maxillary plates.

Structure of Prostomium

Prostomium

Parapodia and Setae　

   Parapodia are uniramous with dorsal cirri. 

   Setae can be simple and compound. They include falcigers, spinigers and acicular setae. Most species have branchia.

The 6th parapodia

The 15th parapodia

Compound setae

 Compound setae

Compound setae   

Simple capillary setae