Myzostoma fuscomaculatum

Myzostoma fuscomaculatum, the crinoid worm, is a species of marine worm in the family Myzostomida.[1]

Myzostoma fuscomaculatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Annelida
Class:
Polychaeta
Order:
Myzostomida
Family:
Myzostomidae
Genus:
Myzostoma
Species:
M. fuscomaculatum
Binomial name
Myzostoma fuscomaculatum
Lanterbecq, Hempson, Griffiths & Eeckhaut, 2008

Description

Crinoid worms are tiny worms with stubby legs which live on the elegant feather star, Tropiometra carinata. They are usually well camouflaged to match their host. They grow to 2mm in total length.[2]

Distribution

Crinoid worms are found off the South African coast in False Bay in 10m to at least 35m of water. They appear to be endemic.[2]

Ecology

These animals are parasitic on their host crinoid and eat scraps of its food and any waste products.[2]

References
  1. Lanterbecq D., Hempson T., Griffiths C. & Eeckhaut I, 2008. Myzostoma fuscomaculatum (Myzostomida), a new myzostome species from False Bay, South Africa. Hydrobiologia DOI 10.1007/s10750-008-9606-7
  2. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
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