Common name: Bristle Worms

Polychaeta, commonly known as bristle worms, is a class of annelid worms predominantly found in marine environments. These worms are characterized by their segmented bodies and the presence of parapodia—paired, fleshy protrusions used for locomotion and respiration. Each segment of a polychaete’s body typically has a pair of these parapodia, which are often equipped with bristles or chaetae, giving the class its common name.

Polychaetes are incredibly diverse, with thousands of species that vary widely in size, color, and habitat. Some are free-swimming, while others burrow into the substrate or live in tubes they construct from sand and mucus. This diversity makes them a fascinating group for marine biologists and aquarists alike. In the aquarium hobby, some polychaetes are considered beneficial as they help clean detritus and aerate the substrate. However, certain species can become pests, especially larger predatory varieties that may harm other tank inhabitants.

For aquarists, it is important to identify the type of bristle worm present in their tanks. While many are harmless or even beneficial, some, like the fireworms, have venomous bristles that can cause irritation to the skin. Proper identification and management can ensure that these creatures contribute positively to the aquarium ecosystem. Moreover, polychaetes play a crucial role in marine food webs, serving as prey for a variety of fish and invertebrates, thus enhancing biodiversity in a captive setting.

Scientifically, polychaetes are of interest due to their biological adaptations and ecological roles. They exhibit a remarkable range of reproductive strategies and can regenerate lost body parts, making them a subject of study in developmental biology and regeneration research. Understanding their ecological functions and interactions helps in maintaining balanced marine ecosystems, both in the wild and in aquariums.

1. 
   Common name: King Ragworm

   Scientific name: Alitta virens
2. 
   Common name: Social feather duster

   Scientific name: Bispira brunnea
3. 
   Common name: Banded Fanworm

   Scientific name: Bispira melanostigma
4. 
   Common name: Social Feather Duster

   Scientific name: Bispira tricyclia
5. 
   Common name: Feather Duster Worm

   Scientific name: Bispira viola
6. 
   Common name: Twin fan worm

   Scientific name: Bispira volutacornis
7. 
   Common name: green spoon worm

   Scientific name: Bonellia viridis
8. Common name: Green Leaf Worm

   Scientific name: Eulalia viridis
9. Common name: Norwegian Sea Worm

   Scientific name: Eunice norvegica
10. Common name: Nebulous Terebellid Worm

    Scientific name: Eupolymnia nebulosa
11. Common name: St. Joseph's Cardinalfish

    Scientific name: Eurato sanctijosephi
12. 
    Common name: Common Fireworm

    Scientific name: Eurythoe complanata
13. Common name: Tangled Tubeworm

    Scientific name: Filograna implexa
14. Common name: Filogranella elatensis

    Scientific name: Filogranella elatensis
15. Common name: Unicorn Worm

    Scientific name: Glycera unicornis
16. 
    Common name: Sponge Worm

    Scientific name: Haplosyllis spongicola
17. 
    Common name: bearded fireworm

    Scientific name: Hermodice carunculata
18. 
    Common name: Scale Worm

    Scientific name: Lepidonotus clava
19. Common name: Medusa Worm

    Scientific name: Loimia medusa
20. 
    Common name: Red Feather Duster

    Scientific name: Myxicola infundibulum
21. Common name: Slender Ragworm

    Scientific name: Nereis pelagica
22. Common name: Clam Worm

    Scientific name: Nereis vexillosa
23. Common name: Oenone fulgida

    Scientific name: Oenone fulgida
24. 
    Common name: Bristle Worm

    Scientific name: Phyllodoce lamelligera
25. 
    Common name: hard tube coco worm

    Scientific name: Protula bispiralis
26. 
    Common name: Mediterranean Fanworm

    Scientific name: Sabella fallax
27. 
    Common name: feather duster

    Scientific name: Sabellastarte magnifica
28. 
    Common name: Indian feather duster worm

    Scientific name: Sabellastarte spectabilis
29. 
    Common name: Coral worm

    Scientific name: Salmacina dysteri
30. 
    Common name: tubeworm

    Scientific name: Serpula vermicularis
31. 
    Common name: Christmas Tree Worm

    Scientific name: Spirobranchus corniculatus
32. 
    Common name: Christmas Tree Worm

    Scientific name: Spirobranchus giganteus