Chaetonotus
is a gastrotrich an belongs to the phylum Gastrotrichia. This is a relatively small phylum of unsegmented, worm-like aquatic invertebrates.
Gastrotrichs are found in the interstitial waters of fine sediments, or on overlying
detritus. Most are less than a mm in length, although a few reach sizes up
to 3mm. They are covered with
cilia and use it for their means of locomotion. Because of this,
they are sometimes confused with ciliates (protozoans). The animal is capable of
reversing its ciliary beat in order to withdraw from an unpleasant stimulus. The
body is elongate and ventrally flattened. It has a distinct head, and typically two or
more caudal organs of adhesion. The tail is frequently divides into two, forming a
distinctive bifidtail. The head has a mouth, pharynx, photo and chemo receptors. Chaetonotus
feed on protozoa, micro-organisms including bacteria and invertebrates.
Food is sucked into the mouth by the powerful pumping pharynx. |
