Marine animals without backbones


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Multivirile flatworm

Multivirile flatworm

Multivirile flatworm

Most marine flatworms are free-living, found on the sea floor around seaweed and rocky reefs. They are often fragile and will break into pieces if touched. Although they have simple bodies, their reproductive system is complex. Each worm has both male and female parts. This thumb-sized flatworm from Kaikōura has between 226 and 229 penises arranged in a band around its thin body, and a central vagina.

About this item

Private collection
Photograph by John J. Holleman

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.




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