A member of the Phylum Loricifera, Pliciloricus enigmatus.
Loricifera
Name Meaning: Corset bearer
English Common Name: Brush heads
Major distinguishing characteristics: Umbrella-like scales at each end
Approximate number of species described: about 122
Natural History
The Loricifera are marine animals. They live in the sediment between the grains of gravel or other sediment types.
Taxonomy
The Phylum is divided into one order and three families.
Order Nanaloricida
Family Nanaloricidae
Family Pliciloricidae
Family Urnaloricidae
Anatomy
The small-bodied Loricifera have a head, mouth and digestive system. They also have a lorica, which is an armor-like lorica which is a protective external shell.
The Fossil Record
One fossil, the Cambrian-era Eolorica deadwoodensis may be associated with the Loricifera.
