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July 1, 2021  |  By Matt Hamas

Lined Flatworm

Lined Flatworm Live

An interesting fact is that lined flatworms can reproduce two ways

This interesting marine invertebrate is called a lined flatworm.  Although you will also see these called tiger flatworms or Crozier’s flatworm (Pseudoceros crozieri).  Although it may look big in this photo, this creature is only one inch long!  They are known to live in shallow water.  I encountered this one along the mangrove shoreline in Key Largo, Florida.  These marine worms undulate their bodies in the water to move.  I was lucky enough to see this flatworm swimming near the surface when I was out walking the shoreline one night.  Naturally I had my camera with me, so I slipped into the water to shoot a photo of it.  Not only are the tiger flatworms small, they are also very thin like a leaf.  So, unless you are looking at the correct angle, you will not see the lined flatworm.  Another challenge was that any water movement would disturb the area and cloud up the water.  So, I drifted in from up the shoreline.  I used a handheld dive light and the camera’s built-in flash to get this shot.  The tiger flatworm was sitting in about a foot of water when I took this photo.

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These flatworms can be found throughout the Caribbean and Bermuda, as well as parts of South Carolina and Florida (where this photo was taken).  I have only seen tiger flatworms a few times over the years, and this is the only time I’ve had a chance to photography one.  An interesting fact is that tiger flatworms can reproduce two ways.  The first way is asexually through fission.  Essentially, the flatworm will divide into two and regenerate the missing parts.  I’ve read that tiger flatworms can start healing their wounds in less than 15 minutes!  Tiger flatworms are also simultaneous hermaphrodites.  This means they contain both male and female sex organs and produce both male and female gametes.  Tiger flatworms can lay egg masses which hatch into larvae in about ten days.

The slight orange color on the outside of the lined flatworm comes from its favorite food, the orange tunicate (Ecteinascidia turbinata).  Its bright white body color is thought to be a warning to their would be predators.  This visual defense tells predators this creature embodies chemical compounds that make it poor tasting.

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Did you know? The orange tunicate (Ecteinascidia turbinate) that the tiger flatworm feeds on is known to produce ET-743.  This is used as an antitumor chemotherapy medication.

Did you know?  Lined flatworms use chemoreceptors to sense food and other lined flatworms, since their vision is not good.

The slight orange color on the outside of the lined flatworm comes from its favorite food, the orange tunicate

THIS MONTH'S GALLERY
black water dark diving florida worm

Article by Matt Hamas

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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