Doris sticta

Doris sticta is a species of sea slug, a nudibranch, belonging to the family Dorididae. This colorful and striking creature is found in various marine environments, making it a fascinating subject for marine biologists and enthusiasts alike.

Description & Characteristics

Doris sticta is characterized by its distinctive appearance, featuring a soft, fleshy body with prominent rhinophores and cerata. The rhinophores, sensory organs used for detecting food and surroundings, are typically club-shaped and located on the dorsal side of the animal’s head. Cerata, finger-like projections along the back, play a role in respiration and defense, often containing stinging nematocysts from ingested prey.

Habitat and Occurrence

Doris sticta is a common sight in various marine habitats, primarily in the shallow waters of rocky shores, tide pools, and kelp forests. This adaptable nudibranch can be found in both intertidal and subtidal zones, demonstrating its resilience and ability to thrive in a range of environmental conditions. Its distribution stretches across different geographic locations, with a particular prevalence in the Pacific Ocean.

Taxonomy

Doris sticta is classified within the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Dorididae. The family Dorididae encompasses a diverse group of nudibranchs known for their distinctive soft bodies, lack of external shells, and presence of cerata. The order Nudibranchia comprises a wide range of marine gastropods, characterized by their lack of shells and highly developed sensory structures, while Gastropoda represents a vast and diverse class of molluscs that includes snails, slugs, and whelks.

Feeding

Doris sticta, like other dorid nudibranchs, is carnivorous. Its diet primarily consists of sponges, which it ingests using its radula, a chitinous ribbon-like structure covered in teeth. The nudibranch’s ability to consume sponges is remarkable, considering the often-toxic nature of these marine organisms. Doris sticta‘s body possesses the capability to sequester and utilize the sponge’s defensive chemicals, making it less palatable to predators. This fascinating adaptation highlights the intricate relationships between species in marine ecosystems.