Aeolosoma gertae

Marcus, 1944

Description
Small worms (although relatively large for the genus Aeolosoma). Prostomium and mouth segment fused, broader than the rest of body. Ventral ciliation lacking in frontal portion of prostomium. Lateral sensory pits roundish, not connected with ventral ciliated field. Coloured cutaneous glands innumerous, on dorsal side only, orange to dark red, each with grey satellite cell. Hair chaetae only, with bayonet-shaped proximal portion, 4-8 per bundle, always in two lengths (100-200 µm, and about 250 µm). Chains of 2-3 zooids 2-4 mm long, 0.15-0.20 mm wide when alive, segment number of the first zooid 14-16. Differing from the other red-coloured congeners in prostomium fused with I; in only dorsal coloured glands; and in the large segment number.
Gliding on substratum.

Distribution
Brazil, The Netherlands (introduced?).

Ecology
In freshwater.

Reproduction
Asexual reproduction by paratomy (budding) prevailing. Maturing seldom.

Literature
Marcus, 1944: 14, 18-19, 105, Figs 5A-C, 18; Bunke, 1967: 220-221, Fig. 12; Van der Land, 1971: 672-673, Fig. 13.2E; Kasprzak, 1981: 71-72, Figs 77.

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