DCliinids
DCliinids are a group of small, free-living marine nematodes belonging to the family **Desmodoridae**, commonly referred to as *Desmodorinae*. These microscopic worms are found in various marine environments, including sandy and muddy sediments, often playing a key ecological role in nutrient cycling and benthic food webs. Their name derives from the genus *Desmodora*, which is the most well-studied within the clade, though other related genera exist.
DCliinids are characterized by their slender, cylindrical bodies, typically measuring between 0.5 and 2 millimeters in
These nematodes are ecologically significant due to their abundance and metabolic activity. They contribute to the
Taxonomically, DCliinids are classified under the phylum **Nematoda**, class **Secernentea**, and order **Desmodorida**. Molecular and morphological