Biology:Dinosaur nudibranch

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Short description: Species of gastropod

Dinosaur nudibranch
Melibe liltvedi.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Cladobranchia
Family: Tethydidae
Genus: Melibe
Species:
M. liltvedi
Binomial name
Melibe liltvedi
Gosliner, 1987

The dinosaur nudibranch (Melibe liltvedi) is a species of dendronotid nudibranch, and is only found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Tethydidae.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the South African coast and has only been found on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula in 10 to 20 m.[1]

Description

The dinosaur nudibranch is a white nudibranch distinguished by its large extendable hood. Puffy paired cerata extend down the notum and there is a projection of unknown function behind the rhinophore sheath.

Ecology

The dinosaur nudibranch feeds on small crustaceans, capturing them with its oral hood.

References

  1. GOSLINER, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN:0-930118-13-8

Wikidata ☰ Q5278672 entry