Aplacophorans: Aplacophora - Physical Characteristics, Diet, No Common Name (spiomenia Spiculata): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION, APLACOPHORANS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Aplacophorans are found in all oceans.

HABITAT

They are found at depths ranging from 16 to 17,390 feet (5 to 5,300 meters). One group of aplocophorans lives on hydroids, corals, or on the ocean bottom. The other group burrows into the ocean bottom and lives in their tunnels upside down.

BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION

Very little is known about the behavior of aplacophorans.

Aplocophorans are either male, female, or hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites are individual animals that have both male and female reproductive organs at the same time. Depending on the species, the eggs are fertilized in the water or inside the female's body.

APLACOPHORANS AND PEOPLE

Aplacophorans are used by scientists to study the origins of all mollusks.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Aplacophorans are not considered threatened or endangered.