Annelida
Grube 1850
Taxonomy
| Phylum | Annelida |
| Class | Polychaetea |
Size
- Variable.
Description
- Approximately 9,000 species (almost all marine).
- Polychaeta means 'many-bristled'.
Distinguishing characteristics
- Well developed heads compared to other annelids.
Distribution
- Widely distributed throughout the world.
Ecology
- Can occur at the following pelagial stages:
- Larval stages lasting a few hours to several weeks.
- Modified swimming stages of mature males or females.
- Totally transparent pelagic holoplanktonic species (e.g. Tomopteridae).
- Enormous diversity of reproductive strategies.