Chaetognatha, commonly known as arrow worms, is a phylum of predatory marine worms that form a major component of plankton worldwide, found from surface tropical waters and tide pools to the deep sea and polar regions. Most species are pelagic and transparent, though some deep-sea species are orange, and about a fifth of known species are benthic and attach to algae and rocks; chaetognaths range from about 2 to 120 millimeters in length.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionThey are found in all marine waters, from surface tropical waters and shallow tide pools to the deep sea and polar regions. 1 Defining CharacteristicsThere are between four and fourteen hooked, grasping spines on each side of the head, flanking a hollow vestibule containing the mouth. 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceMost chaetognaths are transparent and torpedo shaped, but some deep-sea species are orange; they range in size from 2 to 120 millimetres. 1 Classification
Living or Extinct Sources
1. Chaetognatha (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead section, first sentence
The Chaetognatha or chaetognaths (meaning bristle-jaws) are a phylum of predatory marine worms that are a major component of plankton worldwide.
Lead section, third paragraph
As of 2021, biologists recognize 133 modern species assigned to over 26 genera and eight families.
Anatomy, Head and digestive system subsection
There are between four and fourteen hooked, grasping spines on each side of their head, flanking a hollow vestibule containing the mouth.
Lead section, second paragraph
Most chaetognaths are transparent and are torpedo shaped, but some deep-sea species are orange. They range in size from 2 to 120 millimetres (0.1 to 4.7 in).
Lead section, first paragraph
They are found in all marine waters, from surface tropical waters and shallow tide pools to the deep sea and polar regions.
In Group: Minor Animal Phyla, Lead
The Chaetognatha or chaetognaths (meaning bristle-jaws) are a phylum of predatory marine worms that are a major component of plankton worldwide.
View the Source 2. Chaetognatha (Wikipedia)
Wikidata: Chaetognatha
Wikidata Q192416, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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