Violet Flatworm [Prostheceraeus vittatus]
Description
The Violet Flatworm is a marine flatworm species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Their habitat ranges from the intertidal zone to depths up to 70 meters. They are known for their striking violet color with a pair of longitudinal white lines running from the head to the tail. They feed on ascidians and bryozoans. During mating, individuals engage in penis fencing, a common behavior among hermaphroditic flatworms.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Turbellaria
Turbellaria
|
| Order |
Polycladida
Polycladida
|
| Family |
Cotylean polyclads
Cotylea
|
| Genus |
Prostheceraeus
Prostheceraeus
|