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This species has been observed on Reunion Island

Order : Polycladida Suborder : Acotylea Superfamily : Leptoplanoidea Family : Cestoplanidae Distribution : Probably indo West Pacific Maximal size : 100-120 mm Abundance : Species characteristics : This species has an extreme long and distinctly ribbon-like body. The margin is hightly ruffled Tentacles are absent Body color whitish to pale grey
	Showing species characteristics...	Photo Jean-Marie Gradot Reunion, Trou d'eau lagoon, less 1 m, 6 December 2014, size : 100-120 mm

Remarks :

Newman (2003), considered this species as an undescribed species (Cestoplana sp1 , 2, and/or 3 )

Bibliographic data :

They have numerous eyes along the anterior margin, but lack true cerebral or tentacular eyes.
   The pharynx is ruffled and usually lies posteriorly, the mouth is central.
   Cestoplana may be confused with the Cotylean family, Prothiostomidae, however, Cestoplanidae are usually much longer and, of course, lack a true sucker.
   When disrupted the animal tends to curl into a tangled ball.

References :

Hawaiisfishes.com : Cestoplana sp

Publications :

Newman, L.J. & Cannon, L.R.G. (2003). Marine Flatworms: the world of Polyclads. CSIRO Publishing : Melbourne 112 p

Other photos of Cestoplana sp 1 :

Jean-Marie Gradot Reunion, Trou d'eau lagoon, less 1 m, 6 December 2014, size : 100-120 mm   When disrupted the animal tends to curl into a tangled ball.

Sébastien Vasquez Reunion, Grand Anse, less 1 m, 12 November 2015   The pharynx (a) is ruffled and usually lies posteriorly

If you have taken a photo of this species in Reunion, Mauritius, Mayotte, Madagascar or Seychelles Islands, please Contact us...