Sorberaceans: Sorberacea

Sorberaceans do not survive capture, and scientists have not directly observed their behavior. They do know that sorberaceans live alone rather than in colonies. Although they are not firmly attached to the bottom, it is unlikely that these animals move. The hairlike fibers covering the body are encased in attached particles of mud and shells. This evidence suggests that the animals are anchored in the mud and cannot actively move.

Scientists believe sorberaceans actively search and capture prey using their muscular water-intake opening. The fingerlike bulges on the end of the opening may work as a hand for capturing small invertebrates.

Sorberaceans make both eggs and sperm. The eggs are laid and develop outside the parent's body. Other than that, scientists do not know how sorberaceans reproduce. The larvae have never been found. The youngest sorberaceans found already had the adult form. Larvae (LAR-vee) are animals in an early stage that change form before becoming adults.