Turbellarian taxonomic database
Brachypea kenoma Notes
Antonius A 1968 (citation)-
Appearance- 1.3 mm, flattened dorso-ventrally but sides largely enrolled but posterior
80 micrometers from a little tail- anterior evenly rounded- length 100 micrometers,
breadth 50-75 micrometers. Color dark blue green- in transmitted light th shining green
of the symbiotic algae and the strong red of the rhabdites can be distinguished. Color
producing is however only the distal part of the rhabdites somewhat above the outer
muscle layers, while the true mucous glands lying under the surfaces appear as hyaline
translucent and therefore remain unseen. ?? is a small, algae-free dorsal zone drawn out
as a medium area along dorsal side. both the number of rhabdites and also the number of
symbionts are very variable. Red-brown pigment eyes. Vagina and bursa in living animal
farther apart than in fixed specimens.
Anatomy- epidermis- typical with nuclei sunken in side of outer muscle layer, 5 micrometers
thicken below. More and larger at anterior end. Rhabdite glands - number and size
varies- approximately flask-shaped. Secretion in bundles around a central axis, etc.
- see illustration figure 72. Mostly dorsal and on sides. Statocyst. No frontal organs
or slime glands.
Nervous system- brain a large, diffuse undifferentiated bibrous mass with ganglion nuclei-
only over statcyst. lateral ganglia not formed. very short anterior ? (nerves ?).
2 pairs longitudinal nerves (dorso-lateral and ventro-lateral pairs). Frontal brain forms
an arch, a short cone that comes in contact with outside at narrow end. This end is
surrounded by ? gland cells opening to outside. opening has sphincter of longitudinal
muscles cells- also fine muscle fibers from here will press ganglion mass to the opening.
Musculature- body wall muscles a uniform net (0.8 micrometers) of circular outer and inner
longitudinal muscles- thicker layer in area between mouth and sense organ.
Antonius A 1970 (citation)- sense organ on ventral side of.
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