Marine Platyhelminthes of the Maldives: A Review of Their Diversity and Distribution

The phylum Platyhelminthes is poorly studied in the Republic of Maldives, and its biodiversity remains largely undocumented. This study presents the first checklist of Maldivian flatworms, including both free-living and parasitic species, compiled through a comprehensive review of existing literature, citizen science platforms, and online resources. A total of 39 species (recorded from both databases and literature) from nine families are reported in the Maldives: 10 species were recorded in the published literature, and 29 species were contributed by citizen-science databases and online resources, underlining the impactful contribution of public participation in scientific research. The occurrence patterns were analysed based on 170 species records, revealing a higher abundance of sightings in the central and northern atolls, likely influenced by the high density of tourist resorts and associated diving activities. This study highlights the importance of citizen science in contributing to biodiversity data while emphasising the need for further research and integrative taxonomy approaches. The findings provide a crucial foundation for future studies and conservation efforts regarding Maldivian Platyhelminthes.