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