Eunoe opalina explained

Eunoe opalina is a scale worm widely distributed in the Southern Ocean at depths of about 200–1400m.^[1]

Description

Number of segments 38; elytra 15 pairs. No distinct pigmentation pattern. Prostomium anterior margin comprising a pair of acute anterior projections. Lateral antennae inserted ventrally (beneath Prostomium and median antenna). Notochaetae thinner than neurochaetae. Bidentate neurochaetae absent.^[2]

Commensalism

E. oplina is commensal. Its host taxon is a sea cucumber: Bathyplotes bongraini.

Notes and References

1. McIntosh, William C. [as M'Intosh]. (1885). Report on the Annelida Polychaeta collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873–1876. Report on the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873–76. Zoology. 12 (part 34): i-xxxvi, 1–554
2. Book: CSIRO Publishing. R.S. Wilson . P.A. Hutchings . C. J. Glasby . Fauchald. K.. Wilson. R.S.. Polychaetes: An Interactive Identification Guide. Polynoidae (Polychaeta)-A DELTA database of genera, and Australian species. Melbourne. 2003.