Glossodoris hikuerensis
| Glossodoris hikuerensis | |
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| Glossodoris hikuerensis | |
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| Species: | G. hikuerensis
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| Glossodoris hikuerensis Pruvot-Fol, 1954 [1]
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Glossodoris hikuerensis, is a species of sea slug, a colorful nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Chromodorididae.
Distribution
This species occurs in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean. It has been observed in localities as far apart as East Africa in the Indian Ocean to French Polynesia in the Pacific.[1]
Description
Glossodoris hikuerensis has a pale-brown body which is covered by speckled white dots. It has a very frilly mantle edged with brown-black-brown lines. Its gills are semi-translucent white, and its rhinophores have the same speckled pale-brown pattern as its body. Glossodoris hikuerensis is a relatively large nudibranch and can reach at least 100 mm in length.
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Glossodoris hikuerensis -
Glossodoris hikuerensis
Ecology
This species, like many other nudibranchs, feeds on sponges. The only sponge identified as its food source is Hyrtios erectus.[2] When disturbed, Glossodoris hikuerensis releases a milky-white substance which is a form of chemical defence.[3]
References
- ^ a b [1] Sea Slug Forum, accessed 18 December 2009.
- ^ McDonald G. R. & Nybakken J. W. (last change: 14 December 2009) "A List of the Worldwide Food Habits of Nudibranchs". Accessed 20 December 2009. htm
- ^ http://www.seaslugforum.net/message/22554