Jerry911 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Hi, All. I need to know exactly what this thing is, and more importantly, how it makes a living. It is about the size of a penny. It moves around some, but not much. The Aq is a 300 gal Reef, and has been running for 2 years. I spend a lot of time, day or night, watching, and have never seen this thing before the other day. And, I have not added anything for several months now. Any ideas? Jerry There is a large photo here: http://www.socalspeedskating.org/images/temp/Flatworm.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 It appears very similar in appearance to the Polyclad Flatworms (name meaning "many" branches to their gut), including genera Pseudoceros and Pseudobiceros. Paraplanocera sp? http://www.hawaiisfishes.com/inverts/polyclad_flatworms/index.htm Sorry I didn't come up with a definite ID for you. Good luck! Hopefully this may be of help in your search. You might try locating this book: http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Flatworms-Polyclads-Leslie-Newman/dp/0643068295 You say that you need to know exactly what this thing is. You might forward your picture to one of these researchers. I know that Dave Behrens has done extensive work with nudibranchs. I'm sure he is very knowledgeable of flatworms as well. GARY C. WILLIAMS http://research.calacademy.org/research/izg/williams.htm David W. Behrens http://slugsite.us/bow/nudwk402.htm Terrence M. Gosliner http://research.calacademy.org/research/curators/gosliner.php Again, best of luck Jerry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry911 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 Thank you! Useful information regardless. I really just want to know if this thing is harmful or not. It is truly fascinating to see things like this pop up from time to time. Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Here's a general overview of flatworms by Dr. Ron Shimek. http://www.ronshimek.com/flatworms.html Dr. Ron states "Polyclads are generally thought to be predatory, often on small worms, crustaceans, but also occasionally in aquaria, snails and clams." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry911 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 Thank you!! The page by Dr. Ron Shimek is very useful! I do have some degradation of SPS corals going on, and now I need to start looking for certain flatworms. Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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