| Enchytraeidae | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
| Clade: | Sedentaria |
| Class: | Clitellata |
| Order: | Enchytraeida |
| Family: | Enchytraeidae Vejdovský, 1879 |
Enchytraeidae is a family of microdrile oligochaetes. They resemble small earthworms and include both terrestrial species known as potworms that live in highly organic terrestrial environments, as well as some that are marine. More than 700 species in about 30 genera have been described worldwide, although the true diversity of the family is thought to be much higher. Most species are small, whitish or transparent worms only a few millimetres long that feed on decaying organic matter and the microorganisms colonizing it, making them important contributors to decomposition and nutrient cycling in soils. The peculiar genus Mesenchytraeus is known as "ice worms", as they spend the majority of their lives within glaciers, only rising to the surface at certain points in the summer. Enchytraeidae also includes the Grindal worm (Enchytraeus buchholzi), which is commercially bred as aquarium fish food. Certain varieties of Enchytraeidae are partially responsible for the notorious "dark earth" archaeological layers in post-Roman Era British urban centers such as London.
