Saccocirridae

The Saccocirridae are small interstitial polychaetes common in coarse sand on reflective, surf beaches, usually within the zone of retention. Saccocirridae have a worldwide distribution and many more species likely remain to be described. These polychates are usually between 2 and 10 millimetres (0.08 and 0.39 in) in length and 500 μm wide. They have reduced parapodia and are considered a true interstitial species, incapable of burrowing through finer sediments.

Saccocirridae
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
Order: incertae sedis
Family: Saccocirridae
Czerniavsky, 1881
Genera[1]
  • Pharyngocirrus Di Domenico, Martínez, Lana & Worsaae, 2014
  • Saccocirrus Bobretzky, 1872

Morphology

Based on Saccocirrus sonomacus from the Pacific Coast of the Americas, the prostomium supports a pair of grooved palps that have a primarily sensory purpose. A pair of eyes are also present. The peristomium is probably reduced to a circumoral ring. The pygidium is usually bilobed.

References
  1. Read G, Fauchald K, eds. (2011). "Saccocirridae". World Polychaeta database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2 February 2024.


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