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Dinosaur nudibranch

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Dinosaur nudibranch
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
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

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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

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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

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

References

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