402 University of California Publications in Zoology [Vol. 16 



C. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE APHRODITIDAE 



The Aphroditidae are exclusively deep-water annelids, although 

 occasionally, after severe storms, specimens are found on the shores, 

 where they have been driven bj' the waves. The distribution of the 

 Aphroditidae is known over the various parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, 

 and Indian oceans. They occur in all zones from the boreal to the 

 subtropic regions. 



Some Aphroditidae are noted for their beautiful, iridescent fibers. 

 Especially Aphrodita aculeata, the well-known seamouse, has been the 

 object of the great admiration of many observers. Cuvier (1834) 

 says of Aphrodita aculeata : ' ' From its sides spring bundles of flexible 

 bristles, shining brilliantly with all the splendor of gold, and chang- 

 ing into all the hues of the rainbow. They do not yield in beauty 

 either to tlie plumage of the hummingbird or to the most brilliant of 

 the precious stones." Linnaeus compares its vivid colors with those 

 of the peacock. On the Pacific Coast Aphrodita refulgida, with its 

 brilliant iridescent lateral fibers, takes the place of the Aphrodita 

 aculeata of the Atlantic Coast. 



The species of Aphrodita are less numerous than are those of the 

 nearest related families. Dr. J. P. Moore, who has done the most 

 work on the Pacific Coast annelids, reports six species of Aphrodita 

 from this coast : Aphrodita castanea, A. refulgida, A. negligens, A. 

 parva, A. armifera, and A. japonica. Treadwell (1914, p. 177) in 

 his report on the polychaetous annelids from the collections of the 

 University of California, enumerates four species of that genus : 

 Aphrodita castanea, A. refulgida, A. parva, and A. negligens. The 

 first two species are in abundance in the collection. However, I failed 

 to find any representatives of Aphrodita negligens, although some 

 specimens were labeled as Aphrodita negligens which belonged to 

 other species. The same may be said in regard to Aphrodita parva. 

 I have not found au.y specimens that agree witli Dr. Moore's Aphro- 

 dita parva. 



The Apliroditidae may be characterized as follows: The.y are ovate 

 or oblong in shape, convex dorsally, with a distinct, lobed head or 

 prostomium on the anterior end of which are a pair of ocular hemi- 

 spheres, each usually bearing a pair of ej^e-spots. From the center 

 of the anterior margin of the prostomium springs a median tentacle. 

 Ventrad to this is a papillose facial tubercle. Two palpi arise from 

 the base of the prostomium. The mouth is ventral, bordered by a 



