Branchiostomatidae

Branchiostomatidae is a family of cephalochordates, which are small, fishlike marine invertebrates. They are considered the closest living relatives to vertebrates, sharing key characteristics such as a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a notochord that persists into adulthood.1

The family Branchiostomatidae includes most of the known recent lancelets, with the genus Branchiostoma being the most typical. These animals are typically about six to seven centimeters long and inhabit sandy or gravelly coastal areas worldwide. They lie buried in the substrate, filtering small organisms from the water for food.123

While edible, lancelets are not abundant enough to be a significant food source. Their primary importance lies in their evolutionary significance, providing insights into the transition from invertebrates to vertebrates.1