Jasmineira elegans
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jasmineira elegans | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
| Clade: | Sedentaria |
| Order: | Sabellida |
| Family: | Sabellidae |
| Genus: | Jasmineira |
| Species: | J. elegans |
| Binomial name | |
| Jasmineira elegans Saint-Joseph, 1894 | |
Jasmineira elegans is a macrobenthic suspension feeder native to the coastal waters of the Northern Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, and Red Sea.[1][2][3][4] The worm is sessile and lives in sandy substrates where it utilizes suspension feeding in order to acquire nutrients.[3]
Jasmineira elegans is approximately 20 millimeters long and 1.5 millimeters wide, tapering at the posterior of its abdomen. Its slightly pink body is segmented. 8 segments compose the thorax and a variable number compose the abdomen. Along the first abdominal segment it has an anal groove. At the anterior end of its body the worm possesses a radiole crown composed of approximately a dozen radioles situated around its prostomium. Additionally, along the radiole crown are approximately 6 tentacular cirri.[1][5]
Distribution and behavior
Jasmineira elegans is a macrobenthic suspension feeder native to the Northern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Red Sea.[5][3][2][4] The worm is sessile and lives in sandy substrates, predominantly in coastal waters.[3] Jasmineira elegans uses its fan-like radioles to feed on suspended detritus and to supply itself with oxygen.[1][3] Early observations of the worm suggest they may be capable of regenerating damaged radioles.[5] Jasmineira elegans is dioecious with the females carrying light-brown eggs inside the first 12 segments of the abdomen.[5]