Berthella martensi

Berthella martensi is a species of sea slug, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pleurobranchidae.

Berthella martensi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
(unranked):
clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura
clade Nudipleura
clade Pleurobranchomorpha
Superfamily:
Pleurobranchoidea
Family:
Pleurobranchidae
Genus:
Berthella
Species:
B. martensi
Binomial name
Berthella martensi
(Pilsbry, 1896)

Description
Close-up on the gill, located on the right side of the animal.

This species can grow up to a length of 6 cm. The background coloration of the body varies a great deal, from light orange-brown to black or whitish to cream in color. The body is always marked with dark or clear spots, according to what is the dominant background color. The mantle, which covers the body, is composed of four distinct parts: dorsal, anterior, and two lateral pieces protecting the gills. These lateral pieces are on the right side of the body; they have the same coloration as the body, but are outlined in black.

Three of its dorsal parts can be shed in case of danger, a form of autotomy. This species has another means of defense by secreting a repellent acid fluid.[1]

The head has a pair of smooth and slightly folded rhinophores. A trapezoid veil masks partially the oral cavity.

The egg ribbon is whitish.


Distribution & habitat

This species is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific.[2] It is usually found among rubble of dead coral in lagoons, or top of the external reef slopes, from the intertidal zone to 25 m depth.

Feeding

Berthella martensi feeds on sponges and tunicates.[3]

Behaviour

This Berthella species is nocturnal.

References
  1. Rudman, W.B. "Berthella martensi". The Sea Slug Forum. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
  2. Rudman, W.B. "Berthella martensi". The Sea Slug Forum. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
  3. Rudman, W.B. "Berthella martensi". The Sea Slug Forum. Retrieved 2013-09-05.

Bibliography
  • Coleman,Marine life of the Maldives, Atoll editions,2004,ISBN 187641054X
  • Beesley, Ross & Wells, Mollusca-The southern synthesis, vol.5, CSIRO, 1998, ISBN 0643057560
  • Behrens,Nudibranch behaviour, New World Publication Inc, 2005, ISBN 9781878348418
  • Cobb & Willan,Undersea jewels - a colour guide to nudibranchs, Australian Biological Resources Study, 2006, ISBN 0642568472
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