Help...I can't ID this one

February 20, 1999
From: Scott Jamieson

While diving at Pt Turton on the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia recently I noticed what appeared to be algae covering a lot of the weed. On closer examination I discovered it to be literally hundreds of smallish (1 - 2 cm long) nudibranchs - I took a few photos but unfortunately this is the only one that is useable

The Subject was found in depths of 2 - 5 metres in 23 degree water and always on the same type of weed there didn't seem to be any mating or egg laying. I would appreciate it if someone could i.d. this species for me.

Scott Jamieson

diver71@hotmail.com

Jamieson, S., 1999 (Feb 20) Help...I can't ID this one . [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/591

Dear Scott,
I'm pretty sure your animal is a type of flatworm in the order Acoela. They are all fairly small and often are found in large numbers. They have a mouth and pharynx but lack a proper gut, food somehow getting into the body tissues straight from the mouth. I'm afraid I can't give you a name for it. Your weed is probably a gorgonian or softcoral colony. I have put your message on my "Flatworm Page". If you look at the information above your message on this page, and the previous messages below yours, you will see some information on flatworms and a link to a good marine flatworm site. You will also see your are not alone in mistaking them for nudibranchs.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1999 (Feb 20). Comment on Help...I can't ID this one by Scott Jamieson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/591

Factsheet

Flatworms

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