Glycera sp. Family Glyceridae. ChEss logo OBIS genus link

Glycera sp. antennae

Size under dissecting microscope: ~ 600 - 700μm, depending on number of chaetae
Size under compound microscope: same
Morphology:
These larvae have long parapodia, usually angled toward the posterior of the body. The head is blunt and conical, with a dark pigmented collar around it, and there are four small antennae form a cross at the tip of the prostomium, though these are not always visible. Small jaws can usually be seen through the body wall. We have found glycerid polychaetes (Glycera sp.) on settlement blocks around the periphery of the 9°N vents. These larvae may be that species or possibly another non-vent species.

Frequency:
Pump EPR 1999-2000: Occasional
Pump EPR 2004: Frequent


Can be confused with

Ophryotrocha sp.
Glycera sp. is most likely to be confused with Ophryotrocha sp., since both species have visible jaws. However, the shape of the jaws is quite different and we generally find Ophryotrocha as 2-3 chaetiger larvae (~ 280 - 350μm), while Glycera is usually much larger (~7-9 chaetigers, ~ 600 - 700μm)

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