PORT PHILLIP BAY


Oenonid worm 

Arabella sp. MoV 320

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Family level description.
Oenonidae have long uniform bodies with a simple somewhat flattened prostomium (head); antennae may be present or absent. Often the epithelium is iridescent with a pearly sheen. The pharynx is eversible and has multiple paired jaws elements. They resemble Lumbrineridae, the principal difference being that in oenonids the maxillae (ventral-most element of the jaws) is supported be extremely long supporting "carriers", although dissection is required to see them.

Species level technical description.
Prostomium conical; About as long as wide. Eyes present, 4 eyes along posterior margin of prostomium (usually). Antennae absent. Peristomium comprising 2 distinct rings. Maxillae present, comprising at least 4 pairs of maxillae in adult worms, 1 distally falcate; small denticles if present restricted to basal part. Maxilla 1 distally bidentate. Maxillary formula: I= 9; + 5; II= 6; + 8-10; III= 5; + 6; IV= 4; + 4; V= 1; + 1. Maxilliary carriers with associated central piece, free, anteriorly rounded. Mandibles present, free. Notopodial lobes absent or inconspicuous, reduced to small papilla, sometimes with fascicle of delicate internal aciculae. Projecting acicular spines of parapodia absent. Subacicular hooks absent, chaetae with smooth marginal wings present. Chaetae with serrate marginal wings absent. Modified ventral cheatae absent.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Annelida
Class:
Polychaeta
Order:
Eunicida
Family:
Oenonidae
Genus:
Arabella

General Description

In members of this genus the peristomium comprises two distinct rings and the notopodial lobes (dorsal part of the feet) are absent or reduced to a small papilla. Body up to about 15 cm long.

Biology

There have been few recent taxonomic studies of Oenonidae, and none in Australia, so it is uncertain how many species occur in our region.

Habitat

Soft sediments in coastal embayments and the continental shelf.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Worms › Oenonid worms

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

15 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

sp. MoV 320

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Wilson, R.

Robin Wilson is a Senior Curator of marine invertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Wilson, R., 2011, Oenonid worm, Arabella , in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7393

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