Classification:
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
Scientific Name: Polynoidae
Common Name: Scale Worm
Class: Polychaeta
Scientific Name: Polynoidae
Common Name: Scale Worm
General Characteristics:
Scale worms are dorsoventrally flattened and oval shaped. The upper surface is fully protected by large plates that overlap. It has a distinct head with two pairs of eyes, three antennae and palps. A proboscis with four chitinous jaws is found inside a fringe of projecting papillae. They are frequently commensals of other animals and may specialize in living on species of various corals and sponges.
Habitat:
Scale worms can be found in the lower intertidal and subtidal to deep sea throughout New Zealand. They are usually crawling on various firm surfaces.
Importance to Humans:
Scale worms have no known importance to humans.
Sources:
"Polynoidae". NIWA Guide to Polychaeta. Retrieved from: http://www.annelida.net/nz/Polychaeta/Family/F-Polynoidae.htm.