Parents: Segmented worms called polychaetes

Food: Microscopic algae called phytoplankton and other tiny animals called zooplankton

Size: About 800 microns tall = 0.8 millimeters = 0.03 inches

Watch this compilation video to learn more about the movement, anatomy, feeding, and metamorphosis of the pluteus larva.

• The nechtochaete larval form occurs in many polychaete worms, but is usually preceded by a trochophore larval stage.
• Adult segmented worms are typically either male or female, but some are both (hermaphrodites).
• Eggs and sperm are typically spawned into the seawater, where fertilization occurs.
• Polychaetes typically spend days to weeks as larvae, feeding on phytoplankton and zooplankton; however, some species have larvae that do not feed. Adult segmented worms can live anywhere from a few months to several years and consume a variety of food, depending on the species.
• As juveniles, polychaetes start developing their more advanced adult eye, but still retain their larval eyes, which can only see light and dark.

Developed by Nadia Stoker and Caitlin Plowman as outreach and education materials accompanying the Born in the Abyss film.

The Stephen Low Company
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon
National Science Foundation