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Aplysia timida

Elysia timida

Photo by eulalia rubio
Published on Project Noah
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37.6642, -0.720785

Field Notes

Description:

Gastropod mollusk. In a smooth-bodied slug with parapodia (look like lateral wings) well developed and almost as long as the body. It can reach 12 mm in length. Pale green or white with small bright red spots. On the head it has even and coiled rhinophores. The parapodia are tall, with lobed and foliaceous margins.
It is herbivorous and consumes mainly algae of the genus Acetabularia, Codium and Padina.
They are hermaphrodites and mating is usually reciprocal, with a characteristic mating dance. The two individuals come face to face and rub their rhinophores together. 1 minute later they move respectively on their right flank, which is when they take the opportunity to transfer the sperm through the skin, mutually stabbing each other's penises (hypodermic transfer). The eggs are laid in spring forming white spiral clusters 1 centimeter in diameter.
Taxonomy:
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Subclass: Opisthobranchia, Order: Sacoglossa, Family: Elysiidae

Habitat:

Costa rocosa del mar Mediterráneo. Sobre una roca en aguas someras.

Notes:

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

Yes, Leuba, the world of nudibranchs is spectacular.
Can't get over how small these beautiful creatures are. Thanks Eulalia.

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