Bristleworms

Classification Phylulm Annelida Class Oligochaeta Segmented worms

• Aquatic earthworm

Appearance

• Resembles a small, thin earthworm
• Pink, red, brown or tan colour
• No legs or antennae
• Internal organs can be seen through a thin body wall
• Short hairs (bristles) on each segment are not visible to the unaided eye

Behavior

• Uncoil, stretch and push through debris in the bottom of sorting trays
• Found in silt and organic debris

Aquatic Habitat

• In vegetation and under rocks

Pollution Tolerance

• Bristleworms can tolerate low concentrations of dissolved oxygen
• Pollution tolerant
• Large numbers may indicate poor water quality and organic pollution