Marine Flatworms

MARINEFLATWORMS

The flatworms, or Platyhelminthes, are a phylum of relatively simple bilaterian, unsegmented, soft-bodied invertebrates.

To get food, a flatworm takes its food into its mouth, which is located in its head and then it excreted its poop out through its mouth again. Flatworms have no circulatory, respiratory, or skeletal system. Because they're so flat, most of their cells are on the surface, so they can get enough oxygen and food directly from the water around them. Flatworms have some cells that are like early versions of kidneys - these help keep the right amount of water in the flatworm's body.

FLATWORMS AREHERMAPHRODITES

EATING

Flatworms feed on protozoa and bacteria, worms and any tiny animals, dead or alive, that they encounter. Depending on the species, flatworms also consume plant materials, such as algae. Young flatworms might eat plants, but start feeding on animals as they mature. Adult flatworms can eat snails and immature bivalves. Their flat bodies allow them to slip into the shells.

MATING

"Penis fencing" is a mating behavior engaged by certain species of flatworm, such as Pseudobiceros hancockanus. Species which engage in the practice are hermaphroditic; each individual has both ovaries and testes.

MOVEMENT

HABITAT

Domain: Eukarya Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: PlatyhelminthesClass: Turbellaria Order: Polycladia Family: Pseudocerotidae Genus: Pseudoceros Species: Pseudoceros bifurcus