SIPUNCULANS

History
From the Greek word Siphunculus = little tube Commonly called as sipunculid worms or

peanut worms. First species: Sipunculus vulgaris discovered by Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville. Thought to have close relation with annelids and/or molluscs.

General Characteristics

Bilaterally symmetrical Aspidosiphon elegans Coelomate Reproduction is sexual and asexual. Dioecious Spiral cleavage Complete digestive tract No Circulatory and respiratory system 15-30 cm in length Body wall is formed of layers of circular and longitudinal muscles Fertilization is external Development may be direct or indirect

Defining Characteristics
Anterior part of body forms an eversible and

fully retractable introvert Multicellular bodies in the coelomic fluid

Hemerythrocytes and cilliary urns

Anterior tentacles connected to a series of

muscular sacs that pump fluid into the tentacles and store fluid when the tentacles retract U shaped digestive tract with the anus located in the dorso-ventral side.

Habitat
All marine and mostly from shallow waters Burrows into sand and mud Lives in crevices in rocks or in empty shells Others bore into rock They are deposit feeders

Anatomy

Digestive System

Circulatory System
No vascular blood system Fluid transport and gas exchange are instead

accomplished by the coelom. Respiratory pigment haemerythrin, urns, nephridia and tentacular system.

Nervous System
Consists of nerve ring (cerebral ganglion) Single ventral nerve chord Light sensitive ocelli Chemoreceptor Nuchal organ

Family Phascolosomatidae
Commonly found in sub tidal cold water and

often within a protective shelter Most of these species are found under rocks
Tentacles located above the mouth

Family Sipunculidae
Most of the species burrow in sand Some can swim short distances tentacles form a circle around the mouth

Life Cycle
Direct Indirect

Life Cycle
Sexes are usually alike and separate Gametes are shed into the body cavity Fertilization takes place outside the body