Okenia amoenula
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]
| Fiery nudibranch Okenia amoenula | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): | clade Heterobranchia clade Euthyneura clade Nudipleura clade Nudibranchia clade Euctenidiacea clade Doridacea |
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| Species: | O. amoenula |
| Binomial name | |
| Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907) | |
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.
Two fiery nudibranchs with their egg ribbons
References
- Rosenberg, G. (2015). Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907). In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2015-10-16
- Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
- Rudman, W.B., 2002 (January 3) Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.
- 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.
- Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3