Haplopharynx is a genus of small, free living marine flatworms found in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It is the only genus in the monotypic family Haplopharyngidae.

Haplopharynx
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Subclass: Macrostomorpha
Family: Haplopharyngidae
Meixner, 1938
Genus: Haplopharynx
Meixner, 1938

Species

edit

The following species are recognized in the genus Haplopharynx:

Anatomy

edit

Subterminal mouth leads to the simple pharynx, which subsequently continues as an intestine with terminal anal pore. A short retractable proboscis is present anteriorly to the pharynx. Variable number of glands producing rhabdites open at the surface of proboscis. Nervous system built similarly as in Macrostomida. Haplopharynx are hermaphroditic, with separate male and female gonopores. Male copulatory organ is equipped with hard, sclerotised stylet and set of needles.[1]

Reproduction and development

edit

Copulation lead to the internal fertilization. Egg is entolecithal and show spiral cleavage pattern.

References

edit
  1. ^ Karling, Tor G. (1965). "Haplopharynx rostratus Meixner (Turbellaria) mit den Nemertinen verglichen". Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 3 (1–2): 1–18. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0469.1965.tb00424.x.
edit