General Feature

   Polynoidae are predators. They live commensally with different animals, such as asteroids, tube worms and corals.

   Bodies of Polynoidae are dorsoventrally flattened. Scales are present. Most species have elytrae alternate with dorsal cirri at the anterior end.

polynoidae3.jpg (23959 bytes)zoom.JPG (6914 bytes)

Whole segment

Prostomium

1-3 antennae.

Eversible pharynx with four jaws.

   Marginal smooth or fringed elytrae alternate with dorsal cirri at least at the anterior end.

polynoidae4.jpg (43167 bytes)zoom.JPG (6914 bytes)Prostomium

                                    ( anterior scale removed)  

 

polynoidae(S)5.jpg (27108 bytes)scale

                   

Parapodia and setae

  Most parapodia are biramous. 

  All setae are simple. Notosetae variously developed.

polynoidae(S)1.jpg (29158 bytes)Parapodia biramous

 

polynoidae(S)4.jpg (28451 bytes)

Parapodia (ventral)

 

 

 

 

polynoidae(S)2.jpg (61491 bytes)Biserrated capillary setae

                

polynoidae(S)3.jpg (46428 bytes)

Spinule setae

 

 

 

 

 

polynoidaeS6.jpg (27273 bytes)Serrated notosetae

 

Amphinomidae Dorvilleidae Eunicidae Glyceridae Goniadidae Hesionidae Lumbrineridae Nephytidae Nereidae Onuphidae Phyllodocidae Pilargiidae Polynoidae Sigalionidae

Developed by: P. L. Chan     Last modified: 4 April,00