Project Results

About This Project

The Acropora-eating flatworm is a destructive predator of Acropora corals in aquariums. This research aims to uncover some key questions on the life cycle of this polyclad flatworm in order to develop a scientifically-based protocol for its control.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The Acropora-eating flatworm (AEFW) is new to science but it has been a significant pest to the marine aquarium community for over a decade. Found in reef tanks around the world, it can rapidly eat and destroy valuable Acropora corals. In order to control this pest we aim to answer some fundamental questions about its life cycle.

1. How long does it take for the eggs to hatch?

2. Do they hatch as larvae or juveniles, or both?

3. How long does it take for the worms to reach sexual maturity?

4. How long can the newly hatched worms survive without food?

5. How long can the adults survive without food?

What is the significance of this project?

Acropora corals are among the most popular corals collected for the aquarium trade and the growing trade of cultivated corals is beginning to relieve the pressures that coral collection has placed on wild stocks. The Acropora-eating flatworm (AEFW) is perfectly camouflaged against the coral, because of this they are easily introduced into reef tanks, where they have devastating consequences for the corals. Understanding its life cycle is key to controlling populations and mitigating their impact. This research therefore is important for coral husbandry and conservation.

What are the goals of the project?

Using data from the life cycle experiments we will develop a protocol on how to control AEFW infestations.

The next step will be to build on the life cycle experiments to find ways to control them in-tank without having to remove the corals and put them through series of chemical dips.

We will also sequence the transcriptome of the AEFW to identify the genes that are regulating the metabolism and development of this animal, and which could provide putative targets for in-tank treatments (i.e. using reagents that can target and disrupt the activity of AEFW-specific genes).