Caudofoveata

Caudofoveata is a small class of the phylum Mollusca, also known as Chaetodermomorpha. The class is often combined with Solenogastres and termed Aplacophora.

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.

Families

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

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

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