Doto millbayana is a species of sea slug, a type of nudibranch, that is a member of the family Dotidae. They are a relatively small species, typically inhabiting the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal regions, which are parts of the neritic zone.
Description & Characteristics
Doto millbayana is characterized by its slender, elongated body and the presence of cerata, which are finger-like projections that extend from its back. The cerata are typically bright orange to red in color and are covered in small white spots. This color pattern helps to camouflage Doto millbayana against the background of algae and other invertebrates that it lives among.
Habitat and Occurrence
Doto millbayana is typically found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal regions, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. These regions are part of the neritic zone. They are often seen crawling on rocks and algae, feeding on hydroids. Doto millbayana is a relatively common species in its native range, but its exact distribution is not fully understood.
Taxonomy
The species Doto millbayana belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Dotidae. Gastropoda is a large and diverse class of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and limpets. Nudibranchia, meaning “naked gill,” is an order within Gastropoda that contains a wide variety of brightly colored sea slugs. The family Dotidae encompasses a number of nudibranch species that are generally characterized by their small size and the presence of cerata.
Feeding
Like many nudibranchs, Doto millbayana is a carnivorous species that feeds on hydroids. Hydroids are colonial animals that are related to jellyfish. Doto millbayana uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth, to scrape food from hydroids.
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