Distribution: Sungei Buloh, Kallang Basin, Pulau Tekong, Singapore River, Pulau Semakau
The polynoids known commonly as "scale worms" are slow moving predators which feed on small prey such as small crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, gastropods, sponges and hydroids in spite of their strong jaws. They are famous for their commensal habits some living with the asteroids, echinoids, holothorians, sea anemone, sea grasses and corals. They are known as scale-worms as their dorsal surface is covered with enlarged scales or elytra which may be concealed by dense coating of setae. They are medium sized.
They are secretive and are mostly found occupying tight crevices beneath stones. They are commensals in the burrows and tubes of other invertebrates or the shells of hermit crabs.
2 species found in Singapore include
