Thysanozoon sp.

Thysanozoon sp.
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Size: 2+ cm

Distribution: Unknown. Gulf St. Vincent

Habitat: Unknown. Rocky areas under rocks, and possibly other habitats

Depth: Unknown. From lower intertidal

Thysanozoon sp.
Thysanozoon sp.
Thysanozoon sp.
Thysanozoon sp.

This distinctive, but undescribed, species of flatworm has been found on the underside of rocks, and in sandy areas. It is an orange/red colour, with a pale yellow margin and salt-and-pepper colouration on the tips of the numerous dorsal papillae that distinguish this as a Thysanozoon species (or less likely, the almost-identical Acanthozoon genus, not yet found in southern Australia to this point). It also has dark marginal "pseudotentacles" (folds of skin that resemble antennae or tentacles). Although distinctive, this and other flatworm species can be confused for a nudibranch, although this can be ruled out by its lack of gills.