Glossodoris hikuerensis
| Glossodoris hikuerensis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): | |
| Superfamily: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | G. hikuerensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Glossodoris hikuerensis Pruvot-Fol, 1954 [1]
| |
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.
-
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