Torquatocauda flabellum



Evolved from Torquatocauda grandibucha which fed near the bottom of the sea T. Flabellum has moved to become a more effective filter-feeder. Using its powerful multi-twist tail it slowly propels itself long the sea bed, dredging up edible particles to be collected in its large fan-like 'mouth'. Reproduction is achieved by means of spores, which pursue a brief 'larval' stage in which they crawl in the sediment like worms before growing to adult size. It has also lost the scent organs of its ancestor, as pinpointing food sources is no longer vital in the food-rich environment on the seabed.