Common name: Alcino's Flatworm

Scientific name: Notoplana alcinoi (Schmidt, 1862)

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Flatworms
    Platyhelminthes
  3. Class
    Turbellarians
    Rhabditophora
  4. Order
    Polyclad Flatworms
    Polycladida
  5. Family
    Comb Jellies
    Leptoplanidae
  6. Genus
    Flatworms
    Notoplana
  7. Species
    Alcino's Flatworm
    Notoplana alcinoi (Schmidt, 1862)
  8. Synonyms
    Leptoplana alcinoi Schmidt, 1862
    Opisthoporus 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.