Polychaetes always look worried. |
Actually, those two front projections aren't fangs. They're antennae; the other six projections around his head are tentacles. The front paddles are palps, for handling things. He seems to have four eyes, although I would need a closer photo to be sure.
I found a page that describes these worms beautifully, with a long section on the structures of the head. It includes this diagram, which I found helpful.
Image from Reefkeeping. |
Ronald Shimek explains:
This diagram represents the head of a generalized polychaete as viewed from above. I know of no real animal with all of these structures in this pattern. However, there are worms having some of all of the structures illustrated here.
I can't make myself find it beautiful and I'm not sure I'd admire it when it's a foot long . . . well, I might admire it but I doubt I'd like it. None the less, it is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHe had a good environment to grow up in - maybe he will be stronger than his rivals, and get all the girls...
ReplyDeleteJudy, And with that handsome face, how could he miss?
ReplyDelete