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Glyceridae

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Glyceridae
Glycera alba with everted proboscis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Subclass: Errantia
Order: Phyllodocida
Suborder: Glyceriformia
Family: Glyceridae
Grube, 1850
Genera

Glyceridae is a family of polychaete worms.[1] They are commonly referred to as beak-thrower worms or bloodworms. They are bright red, segmented, aquatic worms. The proboscis worm Glycera is sometimes called bloodworm.[relevant?] The Glyceridae are epi- and infaunal polychaetes that prey upon small invertebrates. They are errant burrowers that build galleries of interconnected tubes to aid in catching their prey.

Characteristics

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  • Pointy snout used for burrowing in sediment
  • No septa in anterior part of bodies
  • Rely on peristalsis to move
  • Explosively evert pharynx into sediment, anchor position with prostomium and pull body forward.
  • Eversible pharynx also used in prey capture: 4 poisonous fangs

References

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