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Polychaetes (Segmented worms)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
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Polychaetes
are marine segmented worms with paddle-like appendages called "parapodia".
The parapodia are used to grip the substrate, for locomotion, in
tube building, and they also have a respiratory function. Look for
polychaetes under rocks, in mussel clumps, in seaweed holdfasts,
and when digging in a sandy or muddy beach. Some intertidal species
of polychaetes can get quite large, up to 3 feet long. Be careful
picking polychaetes up-some can bite!
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 11/22/05.
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