Free-living clinging flatworms (Rhabditophora, Polycladida) associated with <i>Sargassum</i> from the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polyclads are a diverse group of marine free-living flatworms, with some species adapted to life in floating Sargassum mats. Recent studies suggest that, rather than being inherently pelagic, these flatworms should be classified as "clinging fauna", as they rely on floating substrates for habitat.

New information

This study documents, for the first time, the occurrence of Gnesiocerossargassicola and Chatziplanagrubei in Sargassum along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. High-definition photographs of whole mounts and histological sections are provided for both species, along with detailed observations of their reproductive structures and 28S rDNA barcodes. These findings underscore the importance of exploring the fauna associated with

SUBMITTER: Merchan Mayorga JI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12079113 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature