Glyceridae Explained

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. 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

• 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

Notes and References

1. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=952 World Register of Marine Species