Fiery nudibranch
Okenia amoenula
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Doridina
Superfamily: Onchidoridoidea
Family: Goniodorididae
Genus: Okenia
Species:
O. amoenula
Binomial name
Okenia amoenula
(Bergh, 1907)

The fiery nudibranch, Okenia amoenula, is a species of colourful sea slug, specifically a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Goniodorididae.[1]

Distribution

This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found from the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth intertidally to at least 30 m.[2][3] It has also been reported from Angola.[4]

Description

The fiery nudibranch is a small (up to 20 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch which is often overlooked until its egg ribbons are seen. It is then often noticed in groups. It has a pale body streaked with orange and a margin characterised by yellow-orange tipped fingerlike projections which resemble flames. The rhinophores are white and the gills are orange-striped.[5]

Ecology

The fiery nudibranch is often found on bryozoans. Its egg mass is a sprawling white curl of several turns.

References

  1. ↑ Rosenberg, G. (2015). Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907). In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2015-10-16
  2. ↑ Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
  3. ↑ Rudman, W.B., 2002 (January 3) Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.
  4. ↑ Vallès Y., Valdés Á. & Ortea J. (2000). On the phanerobranch dorids of Angola (Mollusca, Nudibranchia): a crossroads of temperate and tropical species. Zoosystema. 22(1): 15-31.
  5. ↑ Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3
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