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Dendronotus iris, also known as the rainbow nudibranch, is a species of sea slug, a dendronotid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusc in the family Dendronotidae. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Distribution
Bathydevius is a bizarre nudibranch with a highly unusual appearance, ecology, and taxonomy. It is the first known nudibranch to inhabit the bathypelagic zone, and only one of very few pelagic, free-swimming genera within this generally benthic group.
The greatest diversity of nudibranchs is seen in warm, shallow reefs, although one nudibranch species was discovered at a depth near 2,500 m (8,200 ft). [10] This nudibranch, described in 2024 as Bathydevius , is the only known nudibranch with a bathypelagic lifestyle and is one of the very few to be bioluminescent .
Of the approximately 3000 species of nudibranch, the vast majority are benthic, only a couple are neustonic, and Cephalopyge trematoides is very unusual in that it is pelagic. [6] [7] It is estimated to be one of only five planktonic nudibranch species (another epipelagic example is Phylliroe bucephala). [8] Further information (including photos):
Most nudibranchs are carnivores, but their prey is usually sessile or slow-moving animals such as sponges or bryozoans. In contrast, Melibe is an active predator which traps fast-moving free-swimming animals such as small crustaceans, using its extendable oral hood.
Hexabranchus sanguineus is a large dorid nudibranch which commonly grows up to a maximum length of 25 cm, with some reports to 40 cm in the Red Sea. [2] All Hexabranchus species have soft, flattened bodies, the anterior dorsal portion has a pair of retractable rhinophores and the posterior part has six contractile gills inserted independently in the body.
Unlike most nudibranchs, which mate with their right sides facing, sea swallows mate with ventral sides facing. [25] After mating, both individuals are able to lay eggs and can release up to 20 on an egg string, often laying them in wood pieces or carcasses. [8] On average, G. atlanticus can lay 55 egg strings per hour. [12]
Hermissenda opalescens is a species of brightly coloured sea slug or nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Facelinidae. [ 2 ] This species is commonly known as the "opalescent sea slug."