Description

• Paraplanocera is a genus of marine polyclad flatworms in the family Planoceridae. Species are soft-bodied and dorsoventrally flattened, with elongated or oval bodies and a pair of anterior tentacles. They are generally small and inconspicuous, with coloration that can range from translucent or pale tones to more strongly patterned forms. Like other polyclads, they possess a highly branched digestive system and a muscular pharynx used to capture and ingest prey.

Range

• Species of Paraplanocera occur in marine waters of the Pacific and other regions, with species associated particularly with temperate and tropical coastal environments. Members of the genus occur along the Pacific coast of Mexico, and Paraplanocera can be encountered in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• Usually found in shallow coastal marine habitats, including rocky reefs, beneath rocks, among algae, and on or around other organisms and hard surfaces. They are generally associated with the seafloor and may remain concealed during daylight hours.

Diet

• Paraplanocera species are predatory and feed on small marine invertebrates. Their diet can include other soft-bodied benthic animals, with feeding behaviour adapted to capturing prey on or near the seafloor.