Kingdom Animalia Suborder Cotylea Species T. brocchii Genus Thysanozoon | Class Turbellaria Family Pseudocerotidae Phylum Platyhelminthes Order Polycladida | |
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Similar Thysanozoon, Polycladida, Pseudobiceros bedfordi, Pseudobiceros, Cotylea | ||
Persian carpet flatworm
The carpet flatworm (Thysanozoon brocchii) is a polyclad flatworm in the family Pseudocerotidae.
Contents
Persian carpet flatworm penis fencing
Description
Carpet flatworms may grow to 8cm in total length. They have pale bodies with pinkish frilled margins. The upper surface of the animal is covered with short finger-like papillae (protrusions) in pinks, caramels and browns. There is a smale pale protruding fold at the head.
Distribution
Carpet flatworms are found off the South African coast from the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth as well as in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. They are seen subtidally and down to at least 35m underwater.
Ecology
These animals use undulations of their body margins to swim. Their dorsal protrusions aid in oxygen uptake and improve camouflage.
Synonyms
According to the World Register of Marine Species, the following species are synonyms of Thysanozoon brocchii: