Pseudoceros lindae

Pseudoceros lindae
A live individual of Pseudoceros lindae, in situ off Madagascar
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Class: Turbellaria
Order: Polycladida
Family: Pseudocerotidae
Genus: Pseudoceros
Species: P. lindae
Binomial name
Pseudoceros lindae
(Newman & Cannon, 1994)

Pseudoceros lindae, common name Linda's flatworm, is a marine Flatworm species that belongs to the Pseudocerotidae family.

Description

Pseudoceros lindae can reach a length of 50–80 millimetres (2.0–3.1 in). The upper surface of the thick and elongated body shows a wine color (burgundy) background with turquoise margins and a variable number oval to round yellow-golden spots. This pattern may vary from one individual to another especially in the density of points. The ventral side is light purple. Each pseudotentacle is formed by a broad simple fold of the anterior margins of the body. Also pharynx is formed by highly elaborated folds. This species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, so it can make cross fecundation. There is a single male reproductive organ, that penetrates in any part of the mate's body, and the females have a short vagina directed backwards.[1][2]

Behaviour and feeding

These flatworms are benthic and diurnals. Because of their aposematic colors, they have no fear to crawl around to feed. "Pseudoceros lindae" feeds on various colonial ascidians.[2]

Distribution

This species is widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific, from Madagascar and the eastern cost of Africa to Indonesia, Philippines and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.[1][2]

Habitat

It can be found in the external slope or top coral reef.[2]

Bibliography

References

  1. 1 2 Author Bolanos Marcela Life Desks Marine Flatworms
  2. 1 2 3 4 World Database of Marine Species
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