Description

• Pseudoceros is a genus of marine flatworms commonly known as polyclad flatworms. Species are generally broad, flattened, and oval or elongate in shape, with a soft body and highly variable coloration. Many have striking patterns of contrasting spots, stripes, bands, or irregular markings, while others are relatively plain. The body margins may be smooth or slightly ruffled. They possess a pair of prominent tentacles or tentacular folds near the front of the body and a branched pharynx used for feeding.

Range

• Species of Pseudoceros occur primarily in tropical and subtropical marine waters worldwide, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and tropical Atlantic and eastern Pacific regions. Several species occur along the Pacific coast of Mexico, and Pseudoceros flatworms can be encountered in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• Usually found on coral reefs, rocky reefs, beneath rocks, on sponges, and on other hard surfaces in shallow coastal waters. Many species are associated closely with their prey or particular reef habitats and are often discovered crawling slowly over exposed surfaces.

Diet

• Most Pseudoceros species are predators or scavengers that feed on small sessile marine organisms, including colonial animals, sponges, tunicates, and other invertebrates. Some species have highly specialized diets.