Opisthoproctidae

Opisthoproctidae is a family of marine annelids, commonly known as scale worms, that belong to the class Polychaeta. These worms are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies and the presence of chaetae, or bristles, along their dorsum. The family includes several genera, with the most well-known being Opisthoproctus, which is found in the Atlantic Ocean. Opisthoproctidae are typically found in deep-sea environments, where they inhabit a variety of substrates, including rocky and sandy bottoms. They are known for their unique reproductive strategy, which involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. The larvae then settle and metamorphose into juvenile worms. Opisthoproctidae play an important role in deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to the food web as both predators and prey. Despite their ecological significance, these worms remain relatively understudied, and much about their biology and behavior remains unknown.