Acanthozoon albopunctatum

Acanthozoon albopunctatum is a species of flatworm polyclads belonging to the Pseudocerotidae family.

Description

Acanthozoon albopunctatum is physically characterized by a dorsal side with small raised papillae and ruffled edges. Its body is elongate oval. It has a complex and very folded pharynx. It also has small pseudo-tentacles that prick up like ears. Body is brownish black to nearly white with numerous small papillae bearing yellow to orange tips and white margins.

Because of their papillaed upper surface, they are easily confused with species from the genus Thysanozoon, which are also endowed with dorsal papillae. However Acanthozoon possess only a single male copulative organ contrary to Thysanozoon.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: from East Africa to South Japan, Nortn Australia, New Caledonia and Fiji.

Habitat

It is benthic and carnivorous.It can be quite active, especially at night. Like a stealthy spotted mat, it is often seen gliding rapidly, hugging the surface closely, ruffling the body edges as it moves. When it swims it elegantly ruffling its body edges to 'fly' or dance through the water.