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Description:
Oyster leeches are generally oval in shape,
with greatly flattened bodies. Color is tan to darker brown.
They are common inhabitants of oyster reefs and reach 2.5 - 3.2 cm
(approximately 1 inch) in length.
Habitat:
Preferred habitat for Stylochus sp. is oyster reef.
Range:
Full extent of range is undetermined.
However, Stylochus sp. are found throughout the Indian
River Lagoon, and are most abundant in areas where oysters occur.
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Stylochus sp. , the oyster leech: Note two flatworms in oyster shell.
Photo courtesy of: Newman & Flowers, Smithsonian Institution (NMNH).
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Close-up of Stylochus sp. flatworms
showing eyespots.
Photo courtesy of: Newman & Flowers, Smithsonian
Institution (NMNH).
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Stylochus sp. lays its eggs inside empty oyster shells where they are
protected until hatching occurs.
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