Persian Carpet Flatworm - Pseudobiceros bedfordi

The Persian Carpet Flatworm - Pseudobiceros bedfordi is brightly patterned and when it swims, makes it looks like a carpet, although almost all species of Flatworms swims in the same manner.

comments (13)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

10 out of 10 on the weird species scale: "This species has two penises, which it uses to ''fence'', in an attempt to inject sperm into its opponent in order to fertilize it, while simultaneously avoiding being fertilized by said opponent." Posted 9 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, I posted the pics of the Penis-fencing in the next Spotting.
  I also have video footage of them fencing :D Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I'm wondering if you also have your videos on Youtube or Vimeo? Or only on Facebook?
    JungleDragon currently only supports the embedding of Youtube and Vimeo videos. Posted 9 years ago
  2. 1. Albert Kang
      
      Lion
      
      I did not post all my videos to YouTube.
      Will do so later on and will add them here. Posted 9 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        That's too much to ask. But hey, yes please :) Posted 9 years ago
      2. Albert Kang
        
        Lion
        
        Check-out the video here :
        
        Posted 9 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Hilarious, ty so much for sharing it. Posted 9 years ago
        
        Albert Kang
        
        Lion
        
        You are welcome :) Posted 9 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Today's Facebook post:

The Persian Carpet Flatworm (Pseudobiceros bedfordi) is inarguably beautiful! It’s a large flatworm that lives in the reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific. And, they are hermaphrodites, meaning that each individual is both male and female. Being a hermaphrodite in the ocean is advantageous because it doubles the odds of successful reproduction.

So, what happens when two flatworms meet and decide to copulate? Penis fencing! Yes, really. When a pair of flatworms meet, each can deliver or receive sperm since they both have sperm and eggs. While this is convenient, it also creates a conflict because it takes way more energy to grow and carry fertilized eggs than it does to make a bit of sperm. So, both flatworms want to be the father.

Thus, they engage in a type of battle called ‘penis fencing’. With phalluses erect, they face each other and attempt to stab the other with their dagger-like penises. The first to stab becomes the father, while the loser must bear the burden of pregnancy. #JungleDragon #Pseudobicerosbedfordi

https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife/ Posted 5 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks again, Christine for featuring this and taking the time to research for the write-up.
  Great job! :) Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome, Albert -- I was my pleasure! So much fun to learn more about wildlife! Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago

Paul Dirksen

Lion

Great find Albert, well done. Posted 5 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Paul :) Posted 5 years ago

The Persian Carpet Flatworm

''Pseudobiceros bedfordi'', is a species of flatworm in the family Pseudocerotidae. This species has two penises, which it uses to ''fence'', in an attempt to inject sperm into its opponent in order to fertilize it, while simultaneously avoiding being fertilized by said opponent.

Info 4 1

Similar species: Polycladida

Species identified by Albert Kang