Polychaetes are marine annelid worms belonging to the class Polychaeta. Most are marine and can be found in coastal sediments, coral reefs and other marine habitats.

Key Pointers

  • Category: Environment & Biology
  • Phylum: Annelida
  • Mostly marine.
  • Name means many bristles.
  • Possess paired appendages called parapodia in many species.
  • Setae/bristles are characteristic.
  • Ecological roles:
    • Decomposition
    • Sediment mixing
    • Nutrient cycling
  • Some species are predators while others are deposit feeders or filter feeders.

Prelims Focus: Polychaeta → Annelida → marine → parapodia/setae.