Yellow-Patch Bone Worm [Osedax yellowpatch]
Description
Osedax yellowpatch, or the Yellow-Patch Bone Worm, is named for the yellow patch found on the mid-region of the females. Like all Osedax species, they are 'bone-eating' worms, utilizing acid to dissolve bone and symbiotic bacteria to convert the nutrients. They are found in deep-sea habitats and are known to inhabit the skeletons of whales.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Canalipalpata
Canalipalpata
|
| Family |
Siboglinids
Siboglinidae
|
| Genus |
Osedax
Osedax
|