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scale worm
annelid
Also known as: Aphroditoidea
View a Red scale worm found near hydrothermal vents of the northeastern Pacific OceanRed scale worm (Levensteiniella kincaidi) found near hydrothermal vents of the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
See all videos for this articlescale worm, any member of the superfamily Aphroditoidea (class Polychaeta, phylum Annelida), a group of widely distributed free-moving, segmented marine worms that possess dorsal scales. Scale worms range in size from 0.5 to 25 cm (about 0.2 to 10 inches). The superfamily is made up of several dozen genera and also includes the sea mouse (q.v.), Aphrodita.
The somewhat arched back of the scale worm is covered with flattened pairs of overlapping scales (elytra). A proboscis, or snout, which can be extended, has soft, fingerlike projections and four horny jaws.
This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.
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