Pseudoceros Flatworms
This is the most varied of the commonly seen marine genera which is why it has been separated out here. Morphologically they are very similar, but as you can see from the images, they have a wide range of exotic colours and patterns.
Other Polyclads
Polybiceros has the largest species (Pseudobiceros hancockanus) that can reach 14cm, while P. gratus can reach over 10cm (pers.obs.). Together with the genus Maiazoon they have many species with beautifully ruffled edges looking like hems on dancing dresses.
The Persian Carpet Flatworm (Pseudobiceros bedfordi) is shown in the first few images. A pair enguaged in penis-fencing is shown in the second photo. Further on, sperm injected under the surface of the flatworm can be seen in the pair of fencing Prostheceraus sp..
Most flatworms only have pseudotentacles and only Callioplana have true tentacles.
Acoel Flatworms
Divers will be familiar with these as the masses if brown "spots" covering some soft corals . They are generally small, and have dull colours. Recent DNA & phyllogenetic analysis indicates that they are not related to flatworms, but should belong to their own Phyllum. They modern members of some of the first bilateral organisms in evolutionary history.
Help Save Reefs!
The organisations that work to protect coral reefs and our oceans need as much support as they can get. Check out:
If you are a diver, and especially if you are an underwater photographer, donate. If you do nothing, there will be nothing to dive on and nothing to photograph.
These are suggestions, but not endorsements of the suggested organisations. It is your responsibility to review and check the charities you wish to donate to.
Pseudoceros Flatworms
Pseudoceros Flatworms
This is the most varied of the commonly seen marine genera which is why it has been separated out here. Morphologically they are very similar, but as you can see from the images, they have a wide range of exotic colours and patterns.
Other Polyclads
Other Polyclads
Polybiceros has the largest species (Pseudobiceros hancockanus) that can reach 14cm, while P. gratus can reach over 10cm (pers.obs.). Together with the genus Maiazoon they have many species with beautifully ruffled edges looking like hems on dancing dresses.
The Persian Carpet Flatworm (Pseudobiceros bedfordi) is shown in the first few images. A pair enguaged in penis-fencing is shown in the second photo. Further on, sperm injected under the surface of the flatworm can be seen in the pair of fencing Prostheceraus sp..
Most flatworms only have pseudotentacles and only Callioplana have true tentacles.
Acoel Flatworms
Acoel Flatworms
Divers will be familiar with these as the masses if brown "spots" covering some soft corals . They are generally small, and have dull colours. Recent DNA & phyllogenetic analysis indicates that they are not related to flatworms, but should belong to their own Phyllum. They modern members of some of the first bilateral organisms in evolutionary history.
