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Nereis

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Nereis
Nereis pelagica
Scientific classification
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Genus:
Nereis

Type species
Nereis pelagica
Linnaeus, 1758

Nereis is a genus of polychaete worms in the family Nereidae. It comprises many species, most of which are marine. Nereis possess setae and parapodia for locomotion. They may have two types of setae, which are found on the parapodia. Acicular setae provide support. Locomotor chaetae are for crawling, and are the bristles that are visible on the exterior of the Polychaeta.

Ecology

Nereis are osmoconformers. Nereids are dioecious and they release their haploid gametes into the water medium, a process called spawning. Moreover, upon fertilization and mitotic divisions of the zygote. Nereids form a larval stage which is similar to that of molluscs – i.e. a trochophore larva.

Species

The genus Nereis contains the following species:[1]

References

  1. ^ Geoffrey Read, Kristian Fauchald & Gérard Bellan (2012). Read G, Fauchald K (eds.). "Nereis". World Polychaeta database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved June 10, 2012.