Platyhelminthes is phylum of the kingdom Animala. The name consists the words "platy" which translates to "flat," and helminth which translates to "worm," making the name translate to "Flatworm." Coincidentally, this phylum consists entirely of flatworm species. Flatworms do not have lungs, so they breathe by letting oxygen molecules in through their body. Additionally, flatworms also lack lungs and blood vessels. They do have simple organ systems however, such as a digestive system and a reproductive system. Some flatworms contain a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which is the same neurotoxin found in pufferfish. If consumed, this can cause many symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, headaches, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest or death. Because of this, it would be wise to not eat them. Most flatworms are found underwater, but some flatworms also live on moist land habitats. Others, namely tapeworms, live as parasites inside of other organisms. Some predators and prey of common flatworms are:
- Fish (predators)
- Sea Slugs (predators)
- Shrimp (predators)
- Snails (prey)
- Earthworms (prey)
- Isopods (prey)
- Termites (prey)
- Larvae (prey)
- Bacteria (prey)
- Slugs (prey)
- Dead Matter (prey)
Flatworm
Platyhelminthes species and classes:
- Tiger Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Yellow Spotted Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Fuchisa Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Orangemargin Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Glorious Flatworm (Polycladida)
- False Goldrim Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Stella's Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Salt and Pepper Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Hawaiian Spotted Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Commander Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Orangetip Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Sparkling Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Knobby Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Finelined Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Eschara Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Three Lined Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Reticulated Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Pleasing Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Nocturnal Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Night Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Goldrim Flatworm (Polycladida)
- Purse Shell Flatworm (Polycladida)
- White Stripe Flatworm (Polycladida)