Animal Phyla/Cycliophora
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Symbion pandora, a Cycliphoran. 
- Cycliophora
- Name Meaning: Wheel carrying
- English Common Name: Symbion
- Major distinguishing characteristics: Circular mouth surrounded by small cilia
- Approximate number of species described: at least 3
Natural History[edit | edit source]
The three species of Cyclophora live on the bodies of lobsters.
They are filter feeders. Adult males lack a digestive system. The digestive system of the females changes to form part of the reproductive system to release larvae.
They can reproduce sexually or by budding.
Taxonomy[edit | edit source]
The Phylum Cyclophora consists of three species, all currently assigned to the genus Symbion.
- Symbion americanus Obst, Funch & Kristensen, 2005
- Symbion pandora Funch & Kristensen, 1995
- and one other known not yet described
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Symbion are bilateral, and sac-like.
The body consists of an buccal funnel, an oval trunk, a posterior stalk, and adhesive disc. The disc attaches the animal to it's lobster host (see image).
The Fossil Record[edit | edit source]
There is no known fossil record.
Quiz[edit | edit source]
References and Further Reading[edit | edit source]
- Symbion is the page covering the Phlyum at Wikipedia
- Cyclophora at Encyclopedia of Life
- Cyclophora at Tree of Life