BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Aphrodita aculeata
All Taxonomy Biology Distribution Reproduction

Researched by	Lizzie Tyler	Data supplied by	University of Sheffield
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Aphrodita aculeata	Common name	Sea mouse
MCS Code	P19	Recent Synonyms	Aphrodite aculeta

Phylum	Annelida	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Polychaeta
Subclass		Order	Phyllodocida
Suborder	Aphroditoidea	Family	Aphroditidae
Genus	Aphrodita	Species	aculeata
Subspecies

Additional Information	Aphrodita aculeata is named after the Greek goddess of love. All members of the family Aphroditidae are characterized by scales (the elytra) on their back (dorsal surface) which, in Aphrodita aculeata, are covered by a conspicuous layer of long, fine chaetae forming a mat of 'felt'. Detailed descriptions of this species are given by Fordham (1925), Chamber & Muir (1997) and Barnich & Fiege (2000). Aphrodita aculeata is distinguished from Aphrodita alta and Aphrodita perarmata by the presence of iridescent lateral chaetae in Aphrodita aculeata (Barnich & Fiege, 2000). Individuals may be found washed up on shores after storms or stranded during low tides.
Taxonomy References	Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Chambers & Muir, 1997, Howson & Picton, 1997, Fordham, 1925, Rouse & Pleijel, 2001, MBA, 1957, Parker et al., 2001, Barnich & Fiege, 2000,