Hesionidae

Hesionidae is a family of marine polychaete worms. These segmented worms are typically found in shallow to deep marine waters, inhabiting a variety of substrates including sand, mud, and rocky areas. They are commonly known as scaly or ring worms due to the appearance of their parapodia, which are paired, fleshy appendages on each segment.

Members of Hesionidae are often small to medium in size, with a flattened or cylindrical body. Many species possess distinct sensory structures, such as antennae and palps, which they use for detecting prey and navigating their environment. Their feeding habits vary, with some being deposit feeders, consuming organic matter from the sediment, while others are active predators, hunting smaller invertebrates.

The family Hesionidae includes a diverse range of species, with many still undergoing taxonomic description. Their ecological role often involves bioturbation of sediments and serving as a food source for larger marine organisms. Reproduction in Hesionidae typically involves broadcast spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Research on this family continues to explore their evolutionary relationships, physiological adaptations, and distribution patterns across the globe's oceans.