Pseudoceritidae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pseudocerotidae | ||||||||||||
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 Pseudoceros ferrugineus
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Pseudoceros |
Pseudocerotidae is a family of flatworms.
[edit] External links
- Pseudocerotidae (TSN 54176). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 16 February 2006.
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This flatworm- (or platyhelminth-) related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
ORDER Polycladida FAMILY Pseudoceridae TAXONOMY Pseudoceros ferrugineus Hyman 1959 Palau, Indonesia. OTHER COMMON NAMES None known. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Elongate worm 0.7 in long by 0.4 in wide (18 mm long by 11 mm wide); may get larger. Two slightly developed nuchal tentacles. Body is deep red with white flecks or dots centrally located; yellowish band around the margin with deeper shades of purple between margin and central area with flecks. This genus is speciose on coral reefs and colors vary considerably between species ranging from bright pink and orange to blue and green. DISTRIBUTION Tropical coral reefs in South Africa, Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, and Hawaii. HABITAT Coral reefs often under rubble. BEHAVIOR Displays aposematic coloration to prevent predation. FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET Many species of the genus Pseudoceros, including P. ferrugineus, feed on colonial tunicates.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY Hermaphroditic, eggs hatch as Muller's larva that will settle out in a few days and metamorphose into a juvenile resembling the adult. CONSERVATION STATUS Not threatened. SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS Aesthetic value for scuba divers. Pseudoceros ferrugineus Hyman 1959. The Fuchsia Flatworm Central and Western Pacific at moderate depths. Out during both day and night, often appearing bluish until artificial light is applied, and more round when fully opened.
