Goniadidae is a family of marine worms within the Polychaeta. Goniadids have long, slender bodies and can grow up to 260mm in length, although most are less than 50mm long.[1][2] Goniadids have an eversible proboscis with a circlet of chitinous jaws around the terminal end.[1][3][4]

Goniadidae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Subclass: Errantia
Order: Phyllodocida
Suborder: Glyceriformia
Family: Goniadidae
Kinberg, 1866

Goniadids are highly mobile, burrowing predators which inhabit soft sediments, including sand and mud.[3] Goniadids tolerate a sediment mud content up to 60%, with an optimum range of 50-55%.[2] They are usually distributed within the intertidal and subtidal zones, from shallow water to offshore continental shelf sediments.[2][4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Fauchald, K (1977). "The polychaete worms, definitions and keys to the orders, families and genera". Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Los Angeles, CA (USA), Science Series. 28: 92. hdl:10088/3435. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  2. ^ a b c Singleton, Nathan (2010). Regional Estuary Monitoring Programme (REMP) Data Report: Benthic Macrofauna Communities and Sediments – July 2007 to April 2008 (Report). Waikato Regional Council. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  3. ^ a b "Macrobenthos of the North Sea - Polychaeta". Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  4. ^ a b "Goniadidae". Annelid Resources. Retrieved 2021-02-19.