Segmented worms - The Polychaetes

Polychaetes are a diverse and abundant group of segmented worms. They are commonly known as bristle worms because of their characteristic hairs called 'chaetae'. Polychaetes are mainly found in the marine environment, from shallow waters down to the depths of deep-sea trenches. Currently over 13 000 polychaete species have been scientifically described worldwide and thousands more await discovery and description.