amphioxus, or lancelet, Any of certain small marine chordates (invertebrate subphylum Cephalochordata) found widely on tropical and subtropical coasts and less commonly in temperate waters. Seldom more than 3 in. (8 cm) long, they resemble small, slender fishes without eyes or a definite head. They are grouped in several species in two genera (Branchiostoma or Amphioxus, and Epigonichthyes or Asymmetron). They spend much of their time buried in gravel or mud on the ocean bottom, though they are able to swim, and feed by filtering food particles from water passing through their gill slits. They have no brain or distinct heart.
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