Glossodoris hikuerensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Doridina
Superfamily: Doridoidea
Family: Chromodorididae
Genus: Glossodoris
Species:
G. hikuerensis
Binomial name
Glossodoris hikuerensis

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.

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

  1. 1 2 Archived 2010-06-15 at the Wayback Machine Sea Slug Forum, accessed 18 December 2009.
  2. ↑ McDonald G. R. & Nybakken J. W. (last change: 14 December 2009) "A List of the Worldwide Food Habits of Nudibranchs" Archived 2010-09-13 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed 20 December 2009. htm Archived 2009-04-11 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "The Sea Slug Forum - Glossodoris hikuerensis". 9 June 2010.
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