Acoels: Acoela

Physical characteristics: Convolutriloba longifissura (abbreviated as C. longifissura) is a species of oval wormlike animals colored green by the presence of algae in their tissues. C. longifissura has hooks on its back that are used for defense and capturing prey.

Geographic range: C. longifissura lives all over the world.

Habitat: C. longifissura lives in sand beds in shallow seawater.

Diet: C. longifissura eats animals that are smaller than it is. It sometimes eats the algae that live in it.

Behavior and reproduction: Scientists do not know how C. longifissura behaves. It reproduces by mating between males and females. Eggs and sperm unite inside the female's body, and the fertilized (FUR-teh-lyzed) eggs are released. C. longifissura also reproduces asexually. The hindmost fourth of a female separates from the body and drops away. The fragment divides, and the new individuals form Convolutriloba longifissura is species of oval wormlike animals that is green in color caused by the presence of algae in their tissues. (Illustration by Emily Damstra. Reproduced by permission.) eyes and mouths over a period of two or three days. Meanwhile, the female regrows the lost section and repeats the breaking process, launching a new group of offspring every four days.

Convolutriloba longifissura and people: C. longifissura has no known importance to people.

Conservation status: C. longifissura is not threatened or endangered. ∎