The Blood-spot Doris, also known by its scientific name Aldisa sanguinea, is a captivating and intriguing species of nudibranch, a type of sea slug. This marine invertebrate is renowned for its distinctive appearance and its specialized feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
Aldisa sanguinea is a relatively small nudibranch, typically reaching a maximum size of 30 mm. Its body is elongated and slender, with a characteristic red coloration that is interspersed with prominent white spots, giving it its common name. These white spots are concentrated around the mantle edge and extend onto the dorsal surface, creating a visually striking pattern. The Blood-spot Doris also possesses a pair of prominent rhinophores, which are sensory organs used for detecting food and navigating. Its cerata, small finger-like projections on the back, are numerous and evenly spaced, adding to its intricate and unique appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Blood-spot Doris, Aldisa sanguinea, is a relatively common nudibranch found primarily in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It is known to inhabit rocky reefs and tide pools, where it can often be observed grazing on its preferred food source. The species is particularly prevalent in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, where it thrives in the cool, temperate waters of these marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Aldisa sanguinea belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Cadlinidae. This classification places it within the broader group of mollusks, highlighting its relationship to snails and other gastropod species.
Feeding
The Blood-spot Doris, Aldisa sanguinea, is a food specialist, meaning it relies on a specific type of prey. It primarily feeds on sponges, using its radula, a toothed tongue-like structure, to scrape and ingest this food source. Sponges are a diverse group of filter-feeding animals, and their presence provides a vital food source for many marine invertebrates, including the Blood-spot Doris. This specialized diet has evolved to allow the nudibranch to efficiently extract nutrients from sponges, ensuring its survival and contributing to the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Image References