Bristle-cage worms

The bristle-cage worms (Family Flabelligeridae) are variable of form, from short and grub-like to long and spindle-shaped. Their bodies are usually densely covered with papillae (petit projections) and adherent fine-grained sediment. These worms possess a green respiratory pigment in their blood called chlorocruorin—a feature shared by only a few other tube dwellers, such as the calcareous tubeworms, p. 147, and some spaghetti-worms, p. 156. Reproductive methods for bristle-cage worms are not well known but at least one close relative of the following species, reported from Antarctic seas, apparently broods its embryos in a thick layer of mucus along its back. Some other species have mass spawning episodes.