Loricifera, also known as corset animals, is a phylum of very small to microscopic marine animals that live attached to grains of sediment, with 44 described species and roughly 100 more collected but not yet formally described. Their body size ranges from about 100 micrometers to about 1 millimeter, and adults have a retractable head and a protective case called a lorica.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa CountPer source, about 100 further collected specimens remain undescribed beyond the 44 named species. Geographic DistributionThey are found at all depths, in different sediment types, and in all latitudes. 1 Defining CharacteristicsCharacterized by a protective outer case known as a lorica; they live in the spaces between marine gravel to which they attach themselves. 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceTheir sizes range from 100 micrometres to about 1 millimetre. 1 Classification
Living or Extinct In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Loricifera (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead section, first sentence
is a phylum of very small to microscopic marine scalidophoran sediment-dwelling animals with 44 described species and approximately 100 more that have been collected and not yet described.
Lead section, second paragraph
They are found at all depths, in different sediment types, and in all latitudes.
Lead section, first paragraph
Their sizes range from 100 μm to c. 1 mm.
In Group: Minor Animal Phyla, Lead
Loricifera (from Latin, lorica, corselet (armour) + Latin fero, to carry or bear), also known as corset animals, is a phylum of very small to microscopic marine scalidophoran sediment-dwelling animals with 44 described species and approximately 100 more that have been collected and not yet described.
View the Source 2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ5183, descriptionView the Source Wikidata: Loricifera
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