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Aplacophorans: Aplacophora

Diet

Some species prey on sea anemones, corals, hydroids, sea fans, and their relatives, as well as other organisms. Others are scavengers and swallow sand and mud that contain bits of food.

RADIAL VERSUS BILATERAL

Aplacophorans were first discovered by a Swedish naturalist in 1841. At first they were thought to be related sea cucumbers (Echinodermata). Not until 1875 were they properly recognized as mollusks. Echinoderms have radial symmetry. This means that their bodies are arranged around an imaginary line, or axis, through the center of their bodies; there are no distinct left or right sides. Mollusks, however, have bilateral symmetry. Their bodies always have a left side and a right side.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related SpeciesAplacophorans: Aplacophora - Physical Characteristics, Diet, No Common Name (spiomenia Spiculata): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION, APLACOPHORANS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS