This organism was sampled from the northern China sea, 10-20 meters deep, soft mud. It has no setae but hard and long spines.
Thanks a lot.
A polychaete for sure. To go within a more specific level you should contact an expert and send photos with more details.
Agreed, a polychaete. Better photos should include close-up views of the large setae, mouth parts and sensory organs on the head.
I also agree that it is a Polychaete.... as for which one I can not tell from the photo!
Thank you for your response. I have never seen such polychaete before. Can you further show me some similar species (families) with hard and long spines on both sides of their bodies or send me some relevant reference? Thanks again.
I am afraid that I have no photos nor any references which would help! My experience is limited to Canadian waters! I suggest you find someone who works with Polychaetes in your area and ask them! Good luck!
You should post your question and pictures on the annelida.net discussion group.
Is your specimen complete ? have you some pictures of the prostomium ? because the part showed on your pictures look like median piece of worm, except big hooks there is nothing remarkable.
I advise you to do not guide your identification by mere photos without previous knowledge. You should contact an expert of polychaetes. I only know one in Portugal called Ascensão Ravara from the University of Aveiro. Nevertheless if you have an expert studying polychaetes in China it is easier. Try to find taxonomic literature with description of chinese polychaetes and it will be easier for you to locate the experts.
Thanks for your attention. I have consulted some experts in China and checked almost every taxonomic leterature written in Chinese, and got no exact answer. I have never saw a polychaeta with so huge spines, and think maybe this species is easy to recognise because of its uniqueness.
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