The carpet flatworm (Thysanozoon brocchii) is a polyclad flatworm in the family Pseudocerotidae.
Description Carpet flatworms may grow to 8 cm in total length. They have pale bodies with pinkish frilled margins. The upper surface of the animal is covered with short finger-like papillae (protrusions) in pinks, caramels and browns. There is a smale pale protruding fold at the head.Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa
Distribution Carpet flatworms are found off the South African coast from the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth as well as in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. They are seen subtidally and down to at least 35m underwater.
Ecology These animals use undulations of their body margins to swim. Their dorsal protrusions aid in oxygen uptake and improve camouflage.
Synonyms According to the World Register of Marine Species, the following species are synonyms of Thysanozoon brocchii: Eolidiceros brocchi (Risso, 1818) Eolidiceros panormis Quatrefage, 1845 Planaria brocchi (Risso, 1818) Planaria dicquemaris Delle Chiaje, 1841 Planaria dicquemaris verrucosa (Delle Chiaje, 1829) Planaria tuberculata Delle Chiaje, 1828 Planaria verrucosa Delle Chiaje, 1829 Planeolis panormis (Quatrefage, 1845) Stylochus papillosus Diesing, 1836 Tergipes brocchi Risso, 1818 Thysanozoon brocchii var. cruciatum Laidlaw, 1906 Thysanozoon dicquemaris (Delle Chiaje, 1841) Thysanozoon diesingii Grube, 1840 Thysanozoon fockei Diesing, 1850 Thysanozoon lagidium Marcus, 1949 Thysanozoon panormis (Quatrefage, 1845) Thysanozoon papillosum (Diesing, 1836) Thysanozoon tuberculatum (Delle-Chiaje, 1828)
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