Eschscholtz, 1825
Description:
Pelagic polychaetes, delicate and transparent in life. Prostomium with prominent laterally-directed antennae, a pair of nuchal organs and, normally, a pair of eyes. First pair of parapodial appendages often lost in the adult. Second segment with long cirrus-like appendages which are supported by an acicula.
Parapodia biramous, without chaetae. Noto- and neuropodia oar-shaped. Dorsal and ventral cirri absent. Body in some species with a posterior tail region with rudimentary parapodia.
Pygidium without cirri.
The following species of this genus occur in the region:
Tomopteris helgolandica
Tomopteris septentrionalis