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| Image: Zack Pseudoceros dimidiatus |
It's certainly indecisive...
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| Image: Bernard DUPONT |
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| Image: Richard Ling |
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| Image: Mark Rosenstein |
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| Image: Mark Rosenstein |
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| Image: Thierry Cailleux |
Divided Flatworms can reach up to 8 cm (3 in) in length and are widespread in the Indian and West Pacific Oceans.
Video: Thierry PERES
Underneath it all, they're black with an orange margin around the edge. On that they agree. But once the yellow-green stripes and patterns come into play it's every flatworm for him/herself.
Speaking of which, they're hermaphrodite. No decision made there! When two frisky Divided Flatworms meet they engage in a penis-fencing match to decide which one's going to be left carrying the eggs.
If that's how they make decisions maybe it's best they just don't?
I didn't realize the nudibranch had such impressive competition in the dress-up category. Cool!
ReplyDeleteYeah, when flatworms get out of other people's bodies and give up the old parasitism they can really put on a show!
ReplyDeleteEven on the orange border they can't pick a standard thickness. Such chaos!
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am unanimous in this!
ReplyDelete@Esther: So many options!
ReplyDelete@snaggletoothdoofus: Definitely!
@Susan DA: Ha! Hopefully, we can show the flatworm how it's done!
A divided flatworm was asked if it wanted to stay or go to the party.
ReplyDeleteThe flatworm responded "I don't know, I'm divided."
They're dressed for both!
ReplyDelete