Iridescent nudibranch
| iridescent nudibranch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| (unranked): | clade Heterobranchia clade Euthyneura |
| Superfamily: | Tritonioidea |
| Family: | Scyllaeidae |
| Genus: | Notobryon |
| Binomial name | |
| Notobryon sp. | |
The iridescent nudibranch, Notobryon sp, is an undescribed species of scyllid nudibranch, and is found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Scyllaeidae.[1]
Distribution
This species is found around the South African coast from Elands Bay to Jeffreys Bay. It is usually found intertidally but has been found to 20 m.[2]
Description
The iridescent nudibranch is a medium-sized (up to 50 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch. The body is reddish-brown with iridescent blue-green spots on its sides and back. The smooth rhinophores are surrounded by cup-like sheaths. Two sets of wispy gills are flanked by flattened lobes extending from the body.[3]
Ecology
The iridescent nudibranch feeds on hydroids. It can swim when disturbed using lateral movements of its body.
References
- ↑ Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
- ↑ Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
- ↑ Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3