Tunnellidae

Tunnellidae is a family of marine annelid worms belonging to the order Eunicida. These polychaetes are commonly known as "greenworms" due to the iridescent green coloration of many species. They are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting a variety of substrates including sand, mud, and coral reefs.

Members of the Tunnellidae family are characterized by their segmented bodies and a distinct head region bearing several appendages, including antennae and palps, which are used for sensory perception and feeding. They possess a proboscis, a muscular organ used to capture prey or to manipulate their environment. Many species construct tubes from mucus and sediment, which provide protection from predators and environmental fluctuations. The diet of Tunnellidae varies, with some species being deposit feeders, consuming organic matter from the substrate, while others are predatory, preying on smaller invertebrates. Their reproduction typically involves external fertilization, with gametes released into the water column. The larvae are planktonic before settling to the seafloor to develop into adults.