Chalinidae
Chalinidae is a family of marine annelids, commonly known as scale worms, belonging to the class Polychaeta. They are characterized by their scalelike setae, which are modified bristles used for defense and locomotion. Chalinids are typically found in deep-sea environments, where they inhabit a variety of substrates, including sediment, rock, and other marine organisms.
The family Chalinidae includes several genera, with the most well-known being Chalinus. Chalinus species are often
Chalinids play an important role in deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and sediment reworking. Their
The taxonomy of Chalinidae is still a subject of ongoing research, with new species and genera being