Classification:
Phylum:Chordata
Class: Leptocardii
Scientific Name: Amphioxus
Common Name: Lancelet
Class: Leptocardii
Scientific Name: Amphioxus
Common Name: Lancelet
General Characteristics:
Lancelets are small fish-like animals less than 5cm in length. They are suspension feeders. Water is sucked into the mouth with the use of a pharynx. Food is captured in mucus and moved by cilia into the mouth. Filtered water and the water exits through the gill slits. They have separate sexes and spawning occurs around or after sunset. Fertilization is external and larvae are free swimming. Development from the larval to adult stage is gradual and life spans last between 2-5 years. Recent studies have shown that lancelets are a sister group to the vertebrates according to mitochondrial and ribosomal evidence.
Habitat:
Lancelets are found in shallow subtidal waters with sandy bottoms. They reside in subtropical and temperate regions. Lancelets burrow their posterior end in the sand, with just their head exposed.
Importance to Humans:
In some areas of the world, lancelets are harvested as food. They are also of interests to scientists due to the fact that they may be an evolutionary link between invertebrates and vertebrates.
Sources:
"Lancelets". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved from: http://eol.org/pages/1585/details.