gnathostomulids
jaw worms

These bristles are similar to those on gnathostomulids.

It is related to the rotifers and gnathostomulids, grouped together as the Gnathifera.

Gnathostomulids have no fossil record.

"Acanthognatha" is a similar grouping, including rotifers, acanthocephalans, gastrotrichs, and gnathostomulids.

Gnathostomulids are simultaneous hermaphrodites.

In many Bursovaginoidea, one of the major group of gnathostomulids, the neck region is slightly narrower than the rest of the body, giving them a distinct head.

These bristles are similar to ones found on gnathostomulids, but up to three cilia may arise from a single cell in L. maerski, while gnathostomulids never have more than one cilium per cell.

Gnathostomulids, or jaw worms, are a small phylum of nearly microscopic marine animals.