Polyclad flatworm

Second Shot · Mar 2, 2023

Had snails going missing and they would have a slime on their empty shells. Thought it was some sort of worm but just happened to notice a 3” polyclad flatworm of some type. Assuming it was him. Went to grab it and of course it broke and a chunk went into a wave pump. Of course is became a slurry. I assume these things regenerate from the bits? ‍
Here is a pick of the two bits left.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 2, 2023

They can repair and move forward. Best removal is siphoning them with a 1/4” tubing and discard

Second Shot · Mar 3, 2023

Do you think they can do it from the parts that went through the pump? That would be a disaster. Also, do you know if they eat anything besides snails?

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Mar 4, 2023

I don't think you're going to have much luck siphoning a 3" flatworm with 1/4" tubing, lol

Second Shot · Mar 4, 2023

Yeah this thing was bigger than a half dollar coin. Going to order a long turkey baster in case I find another one.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Mar 4, 2023

Several articles I found seem to suggest that regeneration in this type of flatworm is limited.

One quote "...marine polyclad flatworm, Notoplana acticola. Unlike some freshwater planarians which regenerate lost parts readily and may even grow new brains, polyclads have limited powers of regeneration and the brain seems to be essential for any repair which takes place"
(https://www.nature.com/articles/256737a0)

Here are some photos of Notoplana acticola; they look very similar to some found in our tanks...

Google Search

www.google.com

Second Shot · Mar 4, 2023

Thanks for that. From a bit of searching I’m guessing it was a leopard polyclad which could be the same as you found because I couldn’t find a scientific name. I saw a couple research papers showing flatworms being cut in quadrants and studied. I’m doubting the pulverized pieces would regrow but time will tell. Now to see if there are any other large ones left in there.

PeterC99 · Mar 4, 2023

Be on the lookout for polyclad flatworm eggs! They love to deposit them torches and hammers And will eventually kill them.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Mar 5, 2023

Second Shot said:
Thanks for that. From a bit of searching I’m guessing it was a leopard polyclad which could be the same as you found because I couldn’t find a scientific name. I saw a couple research papers showing flatworms being cut in quadrants and studied. I’m doubting the pulverized pieces would regrow but time will tell. Now to see if there are any other large ones left in there.

Nah, those ones they cut up are the planaria type we used to dissect in high school biology.

Second Shot · Mar 5, 2023

PeterC99 said:
Be on the lookout for polyclad flatworm eggs! They love to deposit them torches and hammers And will eventually kill them.

I don’t have any LPS. This guy appears to just be a snail assassin.

Shon · Mar 5, 2023

Second Shot said:
Do you think they can do it from the parts that went through the pump? That would be a disaster. Also, do you know if they eat anything besides snails?

Do you have gulf live rock? Don't know if it is the same we have in Florida waters, but one (Stylochus ellipitcus) look very much alike eat mussels, clams, oysters, barnacles & snails

I've also read they'll go for freshly molted crab, but cannot find source at the moment.

Second Shot · Mar 5, 2023

Shon said:
Do you have gulf live rock? Don't know if it is the same we have in Florida waters, but one (Stylochus ellipitcus) look very much alike eat mussels, clams, oysters, barnacles & snails

I've also read they'll go for freshly molted crab, but cannot find source at the moment.

Yeah you nailed it. I have Florida keys rock. I’ll look into that species. Thanks a lot