Acoelomorph flatworms (also
referred to as acoelomate flatworms or acoels) were
formerly placed in the phylum Platyhelminthes with the polyclads.
However, recent DNA work has tended to place them in a separate group,
the Acoelomorpha. Some sources also place them (along with Xenoturbellida) in the phylum Xenocoelomorpha. They
are typically very small
(usually less than 5 mm) and lack the complex intestinal cavities of
polyclads. They may be
mistaken for small shell-less opisthobranchs but lack the well defined
foot and other characteristics of such species.
Representative Hawaiian species:
un. acoel sp. #1
CP: top & bottom: Hekili Point, Maui
April 9, 2007
Convolutriloba longifissura CP: Hekili Point, Maui
Nov 22, 2006
un. acoel sp. #2
CP: Hekili Point, Maui
April 9, 2007