Doto fluctifraga is a species of sea slug, a type of marine gastropod mollusk, known for its vibrant coloration and distinctive appearance. This small and captivating nudibranch is a member of the family Dotidae, which is itself part of the larger group of Nudibranchia.
Description & Characteristics
Doto fluctifraga boasts a slender and elongated body, with a characteristic bright orange to reddish-orange coloration. Its body is covered in numerous small, white, or cream-colored tubercles, giving it a somewhat speckled appearance. These tubercles are often tipped with a distinct black spot. The rhinophores, or sensory organs located on the head, are club-shaped and similarly adorned with white spots. The oral tentacles, situated near the mouth, are also tipped with white spots, further enhancing this distinctive pattern.
Habitat and Occurrence
Doto fluctifraga is a common inhabitant of the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal regions. It is often found in areas with moderate wave action and rocky substrates. Doto fluctifraga is primarily found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting locations along the coasts of Britain, Ireland, and France. It is particularly abundant in areas with extensive populations of its preferred prey, hydroids. This species is known to be associated with the infralittoral zone, which refers to the marine environment extending from the low tide mark down to the depth where seaweeds cease to grow.
Taxonomy
Doto fluctifraga belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Dotidae. This classification places it within the larger group of mollusks, characterized by their soft bodies and typically possessing a shell. The Order Nudibranchia, known as sea slugs, encompasses numerous species with unique adaptations and vibrant colors, often lacking an external shell.
Feeding
Like many other nudibranchs, Doto fluctifraga is a carnivore, specializing in a diet of hydroids. Hydroids are colonial animals that resemble miniature plants, consisting of individual polyps that are interconnected. Doto fluctifraga has a specialized feeding apparatus that enables it to extract food from the hydroids’ polyps. The nudibranch’s digestive system is also capable of extracting and storing the stinging cells (nematocysts) from the hydroids, which it later uses for its own defense. This process, known as kleptocnidae, allows Doto fluctifraga to utilize the stinging cells as a form of protection against predators.
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