about our animals
Platynereis dumerilii
Platynereis dumerilii (Errantia: Nereididae) is one of the most intensively studied annelids for development and regeneration. It is a marine, surface-dwelling species that can be reared across generations (3-4 months from egg to adult), with all life stages accessible. Individuals add segments continuously from a posterior growth zone and exhibit robust posterior regeneration (5 days to first regenerated segments). |
Capitella teleta
Capitella teleta (Sedentaria: Capitellidae) has been intensively studied from a developmental perspective. It is easily cultured in fine sediments and tolerates a range of salinities from marine to brackish water. Continuous cultures have been maintained for decades, with eggs, larvae, juveniles, and adults all easily accessible (8 wk from egg to adult). Individuals continuously add segments from a posterior growth zone and exhibit robust posterior regeneration (7 d to regenerated segments). |
Pristina leidyi
Pristina leidyi (Sedentaria: Clitellata: Naididae) is well studied for its robust regeneration and asexual reproduction by fission. It is easily cultured in freshwater and stocks have been maintained for decades. Adults are small and transparent, add segments continuously from a posterior growth zone, and exhibit robust posterior and anterior regeneration (3 d to regenerated segments). Genomically transformed individuals could be perpetuated indefinitely as asexual lab stocks. |