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Flabelligera
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Flabelligera

polychaete genus
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Quick Summary

The genus Flabelligera belongs to the order Flabelligerida within the class Polychaeta, which are segmented marine worms. These worms are sedentary and characterized by setae on their anterior segments that form a "head cage." Their prostomium and peristome are retractable and possess two palpi and retractile gills. Flabelligera species typically range from 1 to 10 cm in size.1

Feather-duster worms, which are closely related and also belong to the class Polychaeta, live in tubes made of mud or sand. They have a crown of tentacles that they extend for feeding and breathing, quickly retracting them when threatened.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. feather-duster worm
  2. annelid - Annotated classification

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