Chaetognatha

/ˌkiːtɒɡˈnæθə/ noun

Definition

A phylum of small, transparent marine animals commonly called arrow worms that have tooth-like structures around their mouths for catching prey.

Etymology

From Greek 'chaete' (hair) and 'gnathos' (jaw), literally meaning 'hair-jawed.' The term was coined in the 19th century to describe these organisms' characteristic bristle-like structures that frame their mouths.

Kelly Says

Arrow worms are so abundant in the ocean that they're considered one of the most important predators of tiny plankton, yet most people have never heard of them—they're basically invisible ocean ninjas that control the balance of marine ecosystems.

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