Priapulids
Priapulids are marine worms that are widely distributed in the world oceans from littoral to abyssal depths. Their size ranges from 1.5 mm to 40 cm. Larger priapulid species are burrowers while small species often live in shell hash and corral sands. The larger species are predators while the smaller ones feed on detritus, algae and bacteria.
The body of priapulids is divided into two sections, a proboscis with the head, and a trunk with the abdomen. In larger species, the trunk may have numerous rings (annuli). Some priapulids have a tail section with appendages.
Of the 20 species known worldwide, 5 are known from the Arctic.
Page Author: Bodil Bluhm
Created: Sept 20, 2010
