Family TOMOPTERIDAE

Tomopteridae

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Introduction

Tomopterids are distinctive pelagic polychaetes with a transparent body. The presence of a long pair of rigid tentacular cirri originating from the second segment immediately distinguishes tomopterids from other members of the Phyllodocida. Tomopterids are most often collected from depths less than 500 m, although they have been collected from depths exceeding 3000 m. They are carnivores, consuming such pelagic organisms as chaetognaths, tunicates and fish larvae.

Figures of 1 genus and 3 species were given by Beesley et al. (2000: App. 1) for representation of the family in Australian waters, and 2 genera and 41 species worldwide.

See Wilson (2000) for detailed treatment of the family.

Database Notes

proof read against Day & Hutchings 1979 by RW
checked against DELTA CD, 2003 by RTJ

Diagnosis

General features. Body shape vermiform; segments numerous (more than about 15); regionation absent. Body more-or-less transparent, gut visible. Epidermal glands diffuse whitish patches or stripes, or discrete hyaline spots on parapodia (on parapodia). Pygidium absent, replaced by long articulated tail.
Head & head structures. Head not clearly identifiable (fused with first segments). Eyes present; one pair; situated on anterior segments (subdermally) (compound type). Palps paired; unarticulated; ventrolateral. Nuchal organs paired posterior projections. Peristomial ring absent.
Pharynx & pharyngeal apparatus. Foregut a muscular axial pharynx; distal ring of papillae present (?).
Body segments & parapodia. First segment with tentacular cirri, or a smooth ring. Tentacular cirri 1 pair(s); arise on a single segment (very long); internal aciculae present in at least some cirri. Parapodia biramous with prominent parapodial lobes; notopodial lobes elongate, ending in rounded lappet; neuropodial lobes elongate, ending in rounded lappet. Dorsal cirri flattened and foliaceous. Ventral cirri foliaceous. Branchiae absent.
Chaetae. External chaetae absent. Aciculae present (in second segment only); in ventral position (=neuroaciculae).

The above description was generated from: 'C.J. Glasby & K. Fauchald (2002 onwards). POLiKEY. An information system for polychaete families and higher taxa: Version 1: September 2002.'
(See ABRS website: Online Resources: Polikey, for Version 2, released June 2003)

General References

Beesley, P.L., Ross, G.J.B. & Glasby, C.J. (eds) 2000. Polychaetes & Allies: The Southern Synthesis. Fauna of Australia Vol. 4A Polychaeta, Myzostomida, Pogonophora, Echiura, Sipuncula. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing Vol. 4 Part A xii 1-465 pp.

Fauchald, K. & Rouse, G. 1997. Polychaete systematics: Past and present. Zoologica Scripta 26: 71-138

Wilson, R.S. 2000. Family Tomopteridae. pp. 167-168 in Beesley, P.L., Ross, G.J.B. & Glasby, C.J. (eds). Polychaetes & Allies: The Southern Synthesis. Fauna of Australia Vol. 4A Polychaeta, Myzostomida, Pogonophora, Echiura, Sipuncula. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing Vol. 4 Part A xii 1-465 pp.

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