Quatrefages, 1865
Description:
A large, strong species with up to 400 segments.
Prostomium composed of ca. fifteen rings, with palps and antennae forming a cross at the tip.
Mid-body segments biannulate. Parapodia with two finger-like prechaetal lamellae. Postchaetal lamellae short and rounded. Dorsal cirri ovoid; ventral cirri large and fleshy.
Gills occur on the anterior side of the parapodium, starting at about chaetiger 25. They are retractile and globular (G. gigantea-parapodium ).
Pharynx is very long with papillae of two kinds: rounded and conical ones.
Aileron with an interramal plate, which forms a distinct angle with the inner branch.
Size:
Up to 350 mm long for 400 segments.
Colour:
Living animal anteriorly shining pink, posteriorly grey to flesh-coloured.
Habitat:
In depths of 15-300 m in coarse sands and gravel.
Distribution:
Whole North Sea, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Northern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea.