Pseudobiceros bedfordi
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
3-25 meters
The Persian carpet flatworm is one of the most strikingly beautiful marine flatworms found in Komodo National Park, named for its elaborate pattern of pale pink, olive, and black markings edged with an orange submarginal band that evokes the intricate designs of a fine Persian rug. This relatively large flatworm can reach up to 10 centimetres in length and is one of the most commonly photographed flatworm species in the Indo-Pacific. In Komodo, Persian carpet flatworms are found gliding across reef surfaces at many dive sites, their thin, undulating bodies moving with a fluid grace that is mesmerising to watch. Like all polyclad flatworms, they are carnivorous, preying on colonial tunicates and other sessile invertebrates by enveloping their prey and secreting digestive enzymes. The elaborate pattern that makes them so photogenic also serves as a warning to predators — they produce distasteful chemicals that make them unpalatable. Some researchers believe their colouration and movement patterns may also serve as mimicry of toxic nudibranchs, providing an additional layer of predator deterrence.
Average Size
4-7cm
Size Range
2-10cm
Maximum Size
10cm
Carnivorous, feeding on colonial tunicates (sea squirts) and small sessile invertebrates. Envelops prey with its thin body and secretes digestive enzymes externally.
The Persian carpet flatworm is one of the most strikingly beautiful marine flatworms found in Komodo National Park, named for its elaborate pattern of pale pink, olive, and black markings edged with an orange submarginal band that evokes the intricate designs of a fine Persian rug. This relatively large flatworm can reach up to 10 centimetres in length and is one of the most commonly photographed flatworm species in the Indo-Pacific. In Komodo, Persian carpet flatworms are found gliding across reef surfaces at many dive sites, their thin, undulating bodies moving with a fluid grace that is mesmerising to watch. Like all polyclad flatworms, they are carnivorous, preying on colonial tunicates and other sessile invertebrates by enveloping their prey and secreting digestive enzymes. The elaborate pattern that makes them so photogenic also serves as a warning to predators — they produce distasteful chemicals that make them unpalatable. Some researchers believe their colouration and movement patterns may also serve as mimicry of toxic nudibranchs, providing an additional layer of predator deterrence.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Flatworms are much thinner and flatter than nudibranchs, with smooth body edges. They lack the distinctive rhinophores (head tentacles) and gill plume that nudibranchs display. Flatworms also glide more smoothly and can swim with undulating body movements.
