VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (2024). Euplana gracilis, in: Geïntroduceerde niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en aanpalende estuaria anno 2024. VLIZ Special Publication, 93: pp. 729-732
In: Verleye, T.J. et al. (2024). Geïntroduceerde niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en aanpalende estuaria anno 2024. VLIZ Special Publication, 93. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ): Oostende. ISBN 9789464206319. 826 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.48470/96, more
In: VLIZ Special Publication. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ): Oostende. ISSN 1377-0950, more
The polyclad flatworm Euplana gracilis originates from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The species was likely introduced to Western Europe hidden in the fouling community on ship hulls. The worm was first observed in the Netherlands in 2002. In 2023, it was also found in the port of Zeebrugge. Due to its cryptic lifestyle, it is possible that the worm can thrive unnoticed in new areas for a long time. The species is believed to have a broad temperature tolerance and thrives in both brackish water and marine environments.
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