Frilled Commensal Scaleworm
(Arctonoe fragilis)
Photo by Tennie Tallman
Arctonoe fragilis is found in
the low intertidal region from the Alaska Peninsula to Baja California, Mexico.
The Frilled Commenasal Scaleworm gets its name from its ruffled appearance and
its commensal relationship with the Mottled Sea Star (Evasterias troschelii).
This solitary worm can be found in the ambulacral groove of many sea stars.
In most populations only one worm is present on each star, this sea star was an
exception, two are present. Three species of commensal scaleworms are present
in Southeast Alaska. The Red-banded Commensal Scaleworm (Arctonoe vittata)
is characterized by a red band on dorsal segments seven and eight. The Red
Commensal Scaleworm (Arctonoe pulchra) is characterized by its reddish-brown
color. Arctonoe fragilis is cream colored with two small black eyes on
the upper prostomium. Its distinguishing characteristics, distribution,
ecology, life history and taxonomy can be found through the links, check them
out.
Photo by Tennie Tallman
Taxonomy
Characteristics
Life History
Distribution
Ecology
References
Back to Invertebrate Catalog
Tennie R. Tallman
April 25, 2002
University of Alaska Southeast Juneau
