Moseley's Flatworm

Prostheceraeus moseleyi

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Found in
17 regions

How to recognise it

Colours
whiteblackbrownyelloworangepurple
Pattern
Blotches or dots, Streaks pattern, Horizontal markings

Body about 30 mm long and lanceolate. Color whitish-violet, more or less dark, with a black and white stippling. The outline of the animal has a characteristic yellow border. The pseudotentacles have a very showy purple tone, with white tips. Like the rest of Prostheceraeus, it has a greater number of brain ocelli than tentacular. The number of ocelli depends on the size of the animal, having counted about 36 cerebral ocelos approximately. In the original description of this species, the dorsal color is completely white, appearing in the background the same dotted black and white. However, in several areas of the Mediterranean this violet variation has been observed quite frequently. Live on shady substrates, feeding mainly on ascidians.

DISTRIBUTION

- Atlantic: From Iberian waters to British

- Mediterranean: Western and Eastern

Similar species

Questions

Is Moseley's Flatworm dangerous?

Moseley's Flatworm has no known danger to humans. However, always observe marine life responsibly.

Where can you find Moseley's Flatworm?
Morocco NorthMaltaMediterranean SeaMonacoAtlantic Ocean +12 more in Seabook

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