Photo of The Week - Polyclad Flatworm, Milne Bay

This week's photo, a Polyclad Flatworm, Pseudobiceros bedfordi, was taken during a recent trip to Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. These beautiful worms are one of the most sought after creatures by both photographers and genetic biologists alike.

Not to be mistaken for nudibranchs, flatworms do not posses external gills. They are however just as diverse and beautiful and posses the astounding property of full regeneration.

Cut of any body part and a new creature will grow and the worm will repair itself. Cut it into ten and you will get ten new worms. In addition, Polyclad Flatworms are hermaphrodites possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

Here is an excellent website to find out much, much more about these amazing creatures Wolfgang Seifarth's Flatworm Site

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert