Most Onuphidae are tubicolous. Some of them carry the tube around; others are sessile, but may be able to leave their tubes in emergencies. 

   All species appear to be scavengers and feed on both plant and animal debris floating past their tube openings; others may actively hunt for debris.

   2 short frontal antennae. 2 globular palps. 5 occipital antennae.

   Mandibles are well formed; maxillae have 4-5 pairs of toothed plates.

   Tentacular cirri present.

Prostomium               

Tube

Parapodia and Setae

  Anterior parapodia direct forward and have tapered ventral cirri. Posterior parapodia are smaller with cushion-like ventral cirri.

   Branchiae present and simple form.

   Setae at the first few parapodia include winged capillaries and pseudocompound form. The posterior parapodia have winged capillaries, comb-setae and acicular setae.

The 1st parapodia

                                  (biramous & no branchiae)

Winged capillary setae