Iridescent nudibranch

The iridescent nudibranch, Notobryon sp, is an undescribed species of scyllid nudibranch, and is found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Scyllaeidae.[1]

iridescent nudibranch
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Gastropoda
(unranked):
clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura
clade Nudipleura
clade Nudibranchia
clade Dexiarchia
clade Cladobranchia
clade Dendronotida
Superfamily:
Tritonioidea
Family:
Scyllaeidae
Genus:
Notobryon
Binomial name
Notobryon sp.

Distribution

This species is found around the South African coast from Elands Bay to Jeffreys Bay. It is usually found intertidally but has been found to 20 m.[2]

Description

The iridescent nudibranch is a medium-sized (up to 50 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch. The body is reddish-brown with iridescent blue-green spots on its sides and back. The smooth rhinophores are surrounded by cup-like sheaths. Two sets of wispy gills are flanked by flattened lobes extending from the body.[3]

Ecology

The iridescent nudibranch feeds on hydroids. It can swim when disturbed using lateral movements of its body.

References
  1. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
  2. Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
  3. Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3
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