Palp Worm
| Name: | Palp Worm |
| Scientific Name: | Mesochaetopterus stinapa |
| Family: | Chaetopterid Worms |
| Scientific Family: | Chaetopteridae |
| Source: | WoRMS AphiaID 1595870 |
| Size: | up to 4 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
| Bonaire: | Known from Bonaire |
The Palp Worm remains hidden in the sand, extending two long feeding tentacles that have colored bands.
Mesochaetopterus stinapa was described in 2022 from Bonaire. DNA analysis showed that it is clearly different from other Mesochaetopterus species. It was named after the organization that manages the Bonaire National Marine Park.
Reference: Invertebrate Systematics, Martin et al. (2022), View Source