Ampharetids

Ampharetids are a family of marine polychaete worms belonging to the order Terebellida. These segmented worms are typically found in soft sediments, such as sand and mud, at various depths from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. They are deposit feeders, using a crown of retractable tentacles located around their mouth to gather food particles from the sediment surface. These tentacles are highly sensitive and can extend significant distances from the worm's burrow.

Ampharetids are characterized by their tube-dwelling habit. They construct tubes from a variety of materials, including secreted mucus, sand grains, shell fragments, and other debris. The construction and maintenance of these tubes are crucial for their survival, providing protection from predators and environmental fluctuations. The morphology of ampharetids includes a distinct thoracic region with branchiae, which are external gills, often located anteriorly. The number and arrangement of these branchiae can vary between species.

Reproduction in ampharetids is typically sexual, with external fertilization being common. Larval stages are planktonic before settling into the sediment to develop into adult worms. While a significant family within polychaetes, specific ecological roles and diversity within ampharetids are areas of ongoing scientific research. Their presence in sediment communities highlights their importance in benthic ecosystems.