Pseudoceros
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pseudoceros | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pseudoceros liparus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
| Order: | Polycladida |
| Suborder: | Cotylea |
| Family: | Pseudocerotidae |
| Genus: | Pseudoceros Lang, 1884[1] |
Pseudoceros is a genus of the flatworms Platyhelminthes.
Easily recognized features within the genus include a ruffled pharynx,[2] branched intestines,[2] and tentacles on the leading edge.[3][2] The tentacles may act as chemoreceptors and may also have primitive eyes, simple light-sensitive cells, on them.[3] The Polyclad worms are acoelomates and bilaterally symmetrical.[4]
Color is the main identifier within the family Pseudocerotidae to separate it into genera, as it can be difficult to distinguish internal reproductive anatomy between genera.[5] Because of the similarities in body plan and structure, it is assumed that chemical cues are how these organisms can recognize their own species and differentiate between others.[5]
The intense coloring and patterning on these flatworms could be used to camouflage with their surroundings,[6] confuse and elude predators,[6] to communicate with other members of the species,[6] or as aposematism[6][7] to warn predators of their deadly toxins. The cells and the pigments they contain that are responsible for this coloring have not been well-studied, but one common theory is that they may be ommochrome pigments, although no discoveries have been made to prove this.[6]
Distribution
Pseudoceros are generally found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are populous in the Indo-Pacific region and have been found as far north as Puget Sound,[8] where Pseudoceros canadensis has been identified, but mostly tend to stay in warmer waters.
Reproduction
Pseudoceros are simultaneous hermaphrodites[9] and reproduce sexually via random hypodermic insemination through the body tissue.[10] These organisms participate in penis fencing,[9] which is a behavior where the flatworms use their extended penises to stab and inseminate the other, while avoiding becoming inseminated themselves. After successful fertilization, these flatworms are known to lay egg masses on the benthos.[9] Numbers of eggs, egg size, and developmental time vary between species.
Pseudoceros indicus will display parental care in the form of brooding activity.[11] Pseudoceros will hatch into Muller's larvae[11] and undergo indirect development and metamorphosis before becoming an adult organism.[11]
