Long, slender, sand-dwelling. The most characteristic feature at first glance are the short straps of the dorsally (back) displaced, pointed gill pairs which are present on most segments. They reach more than 100 mm long but less than 2 mm in width.

Orbiniids occur throughout New Zealand. Most of the species occur from mid-intertidal levels to shallow subtidal on semi-protected shores. In intertidal sand diggings orbiniids are noticeable as ragged threads stretched between clods. They are difficult to collect intact because of their sheer length and thinness.

Unselective deposit feeders.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos can be purchased from https://www.rodmorris.co.nz/ http://www.annelida.net/nz/Polychaeta/Family/F-Orbiniidae.htm accessed 17/02/14