Defining Characteristics

Amphioxus (Branchiostoma) is the more common member of the group, and has received the common name "lancelet" because of its short tapered body.

Habitat

The lancelets are found in coastal waters of tropical and temperate regions.

Feeding & Locomotion

While capable of swimming, the lancelet has no complex sense organs, and so it burrows into the sand of shallow waters where the currents keep the environment from becoming stagnant. There it rests with only the front end exposed to the water, using a row of tentacles to bring food into its mouth.

Cephalochordata Links

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/chordata/chordatalh.html