Order Terebellidae characteristics:

Protostomium without appendages. Perestomium with a set of feeding appendages, usually tentacles. At least one set of branchiae present.

Family Terebellidae characteristics:

Body split into two regions: anterior region with biramous parapodia; and posterior with neuropodia. One to three pairs of brainchae. Usually have numerous buccal tentacles that are grooved and used for selective deposit feeding. A defining characteristic of these tentacles is that they cannot be fully retracted into the mouth.


Genus Reteterebella queenslandia characteristics:

Three pairs of branched branchiae. inconspicuous lateral lappets. sixteen distinct thorasic setigers and is distally smooth.




Glossary of polychaete terminology