1. Marine Annelids: the Polychaetes
Almost all marine annelids are polychaetes (class Polychaeta), which are also known as “bristle worms” for their stiff and often sharp bristles stemming from each of their repeated segments
Bristles replaced by gills in many species
Planktonic larvae stage

2. Marine Annelids: the Polychaetes
Many polychaetes live in temporary or permanent tubes
Singular or aggregations
Tube-dwelling polychaetes are suspension feeders, using feathery tentacles to trap and capture suspended material
Singularly or colonially

3. How about this heat?!!?
One of the most remarkable polychates is the Pompeii worm
Found only at hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean
Temperatures as high as 80°C (176°F)!
“Fleece-like” covering of bacteria on their backs; the worms secrete mucus to feed the bacteria and in return, are protected by a degree of insulation on their backs

4. Polychaetes are pretty!
Christmas Tree Worm
Free-living polychaete