Branchiostoma is one of the few living genera of lancelets (order Amphioxiformes). It is the type genus of family Branchiostomidae. These small vaguely eel- or snake-like animals are close relatives of vertebrates. The scientific name means `gill-mouth`, referring to their anatomy – unlike vertebrates, they do not have a true head (with a skul.....
• (n.) The lancelet. See Amphioxus.
(from the article `amphioxus`) Amphioxi are seldom more than 8 cm (3 inches) long, and in appearance they resemble small, slender fishes without eyes or definite heads. They are ...
Genus of lancelets - includes Amphioxus .
Bran`chi·os'to·ma noun [ New Latin , from , Greek ... gill + ... mouth.] (Zoology) The lancelet. See Amphioxus .