Kingdom Animalia Family Pseudocerotidae Genus Pseudoceros Order Polycladida | Class Turbellaria Phylum Platyhelminthes Rank Species | |
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Similar Pseudoceros, Pseudoceros bifurcus, Pseudoceros ferrugineus, Pseudoceros dimidiatus, Polycladida | ||
Pseudoceros lindae, common name Linda's flatworm, is a marine Flatworm species that belongs to the Pseudocerotidae family.
Contents
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.
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.
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.
Habitat
It can be found in the external slope or top coral reef.