Common name: Alcino's Flatworm
General information
Alcino's Flatworm, Notoplana alcinoi, is a species of polyclad flatworm that is not commonly found in the aquarium trade but can be of interest to hobbyists who focus on diverse marine ecosystems. These flatworms are benthic creatures, meaning they live on the substrate of the ocean floor, often seen crawling on rocks or sand.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 5 cm (2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on small invertebrates.
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on beneficial fauna.
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumFlatwormsPlatyhelminthes
- ClassTurbellariansRhabditophora
- OrderPolyclad FlatwormsPolycladida
- FamilyComb JelliesLeptoplanidae
- GenusFlatwormsNotoplana
- SpeciesAlcino's FlatwormNotoplana alcinoi (Schmidt, 1862)
- SynonymsLeptoplana alcinoi Schmidt, 1862Opisthoporus tergestina Minot, 1877
Care
In the home aquarium, Notoplana alcinoi requires a well-established system with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are not demanding in terms of care but should be kept in a tank with stable water conditions. They are scavengers and will feed on small dead organisms or organic detritus, helping to keep the tank clean.
Reproduction
Like many flatworms, Notoplana alcinoi is capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. In the aquarium, they may reproduce by dividing, a process known as fission, which can lead to a rapid increase in their population if conditions are favorable.
Habitat
Notoplana alcinoi is found in shallow waters, typically not deeper than 20 meters. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit coral reefs and associated sandy areas. They are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day, becoming more active at night.