Flatworms

Fact file

Proper name: Phylum Platyhelminthes (plat-ee-hel-min-thees)
Common name: Flatworms

Numbers of species: About 55,000
Where they are found: In the oceans, in freshwater and on land

Description: Flatworms are flat worms! Most of them are parasites like the tape worm, living in the guts and organs of other animals, but some free living species can be very beautiful.

Need to know: The word 'platyhelminthes' means 'flat worm', from the Greek word 'platy' meaning flat, and 'helminthes' meaning worm.

Find out more about flatworms

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