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Opheliidae
Family of annelids From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Opheliidae is a family of small, annelid worms. Some of the genera, like Armandia, Ophelina and Polyophthalmus, have lost their circular muscles.[2] The Opheliidae family of polychaete; marine annelid worms,[3] play an essential role in marine ecosystems as “deposit feeders” that aid in the recycling of nutrients and sediment mixing in muddle and sandy habitats.[4] Due to their distinctive adaptations that include streamlined bodies and specialized muscles they can burrow in various marine environments. [5]
Worms in the Opheliidae family generally show characteristics of having a smooth body, a ventral (front) crease, few flaps on their sides and a pointed head to help them travel through mud and sand. Overall they specialize in burrowing and consuming sediment particles.[6]
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Genera
The family consist of the following genera:
References
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