A New Polyclad Flatworm, Idiostylochus tortuosus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) from France

In 2020, the presence of unknown polyclads (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) preying on individuals of Magallana gigas (oyster) and Mytilus sp. (mussel) was recorded in Arcachon Bay. This polyclad may be related to the increases in oyster mortality recorded since 2019 in various oyster farms in Arcachon Bay (Vieira et al. 2020). The aim of our study (Gutierrez et al 2023) was the description and determination of the new genus and species of polyclad found in Arcachon Bay: the marine flatworm Idiostylochus tortuosus. Idiostylochus tortuosus. Arcachon´s species, belongs to a clearly Indonesian or Indo-Pacific family, closely related to genera that also originate in the waters of the South Pacific Ocean. Despite its novelty, it is likely an introduced species. Its description and analysis will allow studies focused on the habitat, ecology, and the possible economic and ecological impacts of this or similar species.


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