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.