Phylum AnnelidaJonas Reagan

Order AciculataThis Order includes about half of all existing

polychaete species that are worms who can move about freely by crawling, and/or swimming.

Their distinguishing characteristics are that they have internal supporting chaetae, or chitinous bristles in their parapodia and structures to aid in locomotion.

Odontosyllis luminosaBioluminescence is

related to reproductive events and is used by females to attract a mate.

Spawn several days after full moon.

Release glowing egg masses thought to attract males

Only lasts 2-3 min.

More Fun FactsFemales swim in circles and release more eggs

and bioluminescent males swim in circles while glowingly releasing gametes.

Visible 30-50 m awayDifferences in environmental factors like wind

and surface currents have no effect on mating patterns.

Glowing is also a defense mechanism against predators who will suffer spasms and then paralysis after regurgitating the specimen.

Males are 12mm and Females are 20mm

Super Fun Fact Glowing of these worms were actually linked

to the mysterious light Christopher Columbus described when he entered the Bahamas in November 1492.

Order CanalipalpataThis Order contains all the worms that stay in

one place, living in a self-made tube composed of mud or sand cemented together with mucus.

Their distinguishing characteristic are an elongated grooved palp structures used for feeding.

Spirobranchus giganteusThis species literally translates to “spiral gills.” This

relates to their highly derived respiratory structures.

They are often times called “Christmas tree worms.”The feathery-like tentacles, radioles, trap prey that

are digested immediately. They are sedentary filter feeders, so to reproduce,

they simply release their gametes in the water where they are swept up by the currents.

There are male and female organisms. Often found in attached to corals.