Notomastus latericeus Sars, 1851

Synonyms:
No synonyms.

Distinguishing characteristics
Thorax with 12 segments.
11 segments with capillary chaetae.
Genital hooks absent.

Species description
Body long, cylindrical, very fragile, lacking any appendages, 150 segments. Prostomium short, conical with an eversible sac-like pharynx. Thorax with 12 segments. First segment without chaetae, following 11 segments with capillary chaetae only. Posterior body with hooded hooks, dorsally and ventrally. Genital hooks absent. Pygidium terminates in a membranous flap, without cirri.

Size
Up to 300 mm for 150 segments.

Color
Alive anterior body red or yellowish-red; posterior body transparent.

Habitat
Notomastus latericeus has no clear preference for a specific median grain size: the habitat preference appears to be mainly determined by the mud content. Sediments with a mud content of 0 to 50% are suitable for N. latericeus, but the species displays a preference for sediments with a mud content of 10-30% (relative occurrence: > 50%).

Mobility
Mobile.

Feeding
Sub- & surface deposit feeder.
Grazer.

Life cycle
Free spawning with lecithotrophic larvae.

Distribution
Cosmopolitan.