Caudofoveata
Anterior-most 1.4 mm of the fixed and stained specimen of Falcidens sp.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Subkingdom:	Metazoa
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Caudofoveata
Families
See text.

Caudofoveata is a small class within the phylum Mollusca, also known as Chaetodermomorpha. The class is often combined with Solenogastres and termed Aplacophora. However, such a grouping is not monophyletic; molecular data suggests that the caudofoveata are the sister group to the cephalopods.^[1]

Caudofoveata are small (1-30 mm), mainly deep sea molluscs. They are worm-like, lacking shells or distinct muscular feet; they instead have scales and calcareous spines called sclerites, for movement. They live by burrowing through soft sediment, and feed by lying vertically in the sediment with just the mouth-parts exposed and taking in passing organic detritus. During sexual reproduction, the female produces eggs which are fertilized and brooded, and then the larvae swim freely.

[edit] Families

• Chaetodermatidae
• Limifossoridae
• Prochaetodermatidae
• Falcidentidae
  • Falcidens
• Metachaetodermatidae
• Scutopidae

There are about 15 genera, with about 150 known species.

[edit] References

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