Myzostoma fuscomaculatum, the crinoid worm, is a species of marine worm in the family Myzostomatidae.[1]
| Myzostoma fuscomaculatum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Class: | Polychaeta |
| Order: | Myzostomida |
| Family: | Myzostomatidae |
| Genus: | Myzostoma |
| Species: | M. fuscomaculatum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Myzostoma fuscomaculatum Lanterbecq, Hempson, Griffiths & Eeckhaut, 2008
| |
Description
editCrinoid 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
editCrinoid 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
editThese animals are parasitic on their host crinoid and eat scraps of its food and any waste products.[2]
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Myzostoma fuscomaculatum.
- ^ 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
- ^ a b c 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