Chaetopterus

/ˌkiːtɒpˈtɛrəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of marine segmented worms famous for producing bioluminescent slime and having unusual pom-pom-like appendages for filter feeding.

Etymology

From Greek 'chaete' (bristle) and 'pterus' (wing, feather), referring to the feather-like or wing-like bristle structures on these worms.

Kelly Says

Chaetopterus worms create a glowing mucus net to catch food and when threatened, they squirt out glowing slime as a defense—it's like having a biological glow stick that also confuses predators.

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