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Tomopteridae

Eschscholtz 1825

Taxonomy

Phylum Annelida
Class Polychaeta
Order Aciculata
Family Tomopteridae
Genus Tomopteris

Size

  • Females 50 – 100 mm.
  • Males up to 60 mm.

Description

  • In Greek means 'a cut' and 'wing'.
  • Approximately 60 species.

Distinguishing characteristics

  • Transparent.
  • Deeply divided forked fin-like organs (parapodia).
  • Prostomium; with a single pair of lensed eyes.
  • One pair of tapering, unarticulated palps.
  • First segment bears one pair of very long tentacular cirri.
  • One of the few marine animals with yellow bioluminescence.

Distribution

  • Temperate seas.

Ecology

  • Holopelagic.
  • Juveniles occur mostly at surface whilst adults are found deeper.
  • Predatory and carnivorous. Feed on chaetognaths, tunicates and fish larvae.
  • Spawning takes place year round.
  • Life history is largely unknown.