Notocomplanidae

Characteristics

Notocomplanidae possess several distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from other flatworms. The most notable feature is their convoluted body shape, often resembling a tightly coiled spring. This unique morphology is a result of the intricate folding of the body wall. The surface of the body is covered in cilia, microscopic hair-like structures that aid in locomotion.

These flatworms are also known for their unique reproductive system. They have both male and female reproductive organs, making them hermaphrodites. However, they are typically protandric, meaning that they develop male reproductive organs first. Some species exhibit a form of internal fertilization, where the sperm is transferred to the female reproductive organs within the same individual.

Environment

Notocomplanidae are found in a variety of marine environments, with a strong preference for intertidal zones and rocky surfaces. Their convoluted body shape allows them to cling tightly to these surfaces, providing protection from strong currents and wave action. These flatworms are typically found in areas with high levels of algae and other organic matter, which they feed on.

References

To learn more about Notocomplanidae, you can consult the following resources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• A New Species of Notocomplanidae (Platyhelminthes: Proseriata) from the Mediterranean Sea
• Notocomplanidae: A review of the family and description of a new species, Notocomplana balearica n. sp., from the Balearic Islands, Spain