Saccocirridae

The Saccocirridae are small interstitial polychaetes common in coarse sand on reflective, surf beaches, usually within the zone of retention. Saccocirridae have a worldwide distribution and many more species likely remain to be described. These polychates are usually between in length and 500 μm wide. They have reduced parapodia and are considered a true interstitial species, incapable of burrowing through finer sediments.

Morphology

Based on Saccocirrus sonomacus from the Pacific Coast of the Americas, the prostomium supports a pair of grooved palps that have a primarily sensory purpose. A pair of eyes are also present. The peristomium is probably reduced to a circumoral ring. The pygidium is usually bilobed.