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Planktonic Polychaete worm
Polychaete worms are a group of mostly marine, segmented worms which are related to earthworms and leeches. They are also called bristle worms because of the array of bristles on their many leg-like appendages. Most polychaetes have a planktonic larva which settle on the reef or ocean floor once they have matured but a few species, like the one pictured here, spend their entire lives as part of the plankton.
Photo: Peter Parks © 2001 by Image Quest 3-D
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Copyright © Australian Museum 2002
