A new stylochid flatworm (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) from Victoria, Australia and observations on its biology

There are only four polyclad flatworms currently known from temperate waters of Victoria, Australia, although these turbellarians are common inhabitants of rocky shores. A new stylochid flatworm, Stylochus pygmaeus sp. nov. (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) or oyster leech is described here from Port P...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of natural history 2005-09, Vol.39 (28), p.2581-2589
Main Authors: Merory, Marsha, Newman, Leslie J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Barnacles
Götte's larvae
Marine
new species
oyster leech
Platyhelminthes
Polycladida
predators
Stylochidae
Stylochus pygmaeus
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Summary:There are only four polyclad flatworms currently known from temperate waters of Victoria, Australia, although these turbellarians are common inhabitants of rocky shores. A new stylochid flatworm, Stylochus pygmaeus sp. nov. (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) or oyster leech is described here from Port Philip Bay, Victoria. This flatworm was observed feeding on three species of barnacles by extending its pharynx over its prey and extruding copious amounts of mucus. Worms also preferred to prey on larger-sized barnacles regardless of the species. Further observations indicated that these worms deposited eggs at night inside empty barnacle shells. Each eggmass was brooded for several days with the worms only moving off to feed. Each egg capsule contained multiple embryos and after 5 or 6 days, positively photo-tactic, four-lobed Götte's larvae emerged. Larvae metamorphosed to juvenile flatworms 1-2 weeks post-hatching but failed to settle and survive.
ISSN:0022-2933
1464-5262
DOI:10.1080/00222930500082045