Perinereis latipalpa (Schmarda, 1861)

Status
Rare? native

Description
Minimum and maximum length of 10cm and 17.7cm, respectively. Dark green head region. Colour becomes greener or fades to pale white towards posterior end.  Eyes absent. Two large palps and antennae present. Four tentacular cirri on left and right side.  Paragnaths: V & VI = continuous rows of bars. Notopodia expanded on dorsal side. Apodous present with no features. Parapodia biramous after first two segments; lacks branched gills.

Ecology
In sandy substrates under rocks

Distribution
South Africa: West to east coast
Namibia: Walvis Bay, Griffiths Bay and Lüderitz Bay. South Africa: Cape to Mozambique

Notes
May be used as bait. Originally identified as Perinereis nuntia vallata, described from Chile, is now accepted as “Perinereis vallata” May represent species complex in southern Africa.