Doto sarsiae is a species of sea slug, a type of nudibranch, that is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a small and colorful creature with a distinctive appearance, making it a popular subject for marine biologists and underwater photographers.
Description & Characteristics
Doto sarsiae is a relatively small nudibranch, typically reaching a maximum size of around 15 millimeters in length. Its body is elongated and slender, with a distinct head and a tapered tail. The most striking feature of Doto sarsiae is its vibrant coloration. It is usually a bright orange or yellow, with numerous white or cream-colored spots scattered across its body. These spots are often arranged in irregular patterns, adding to the slug’s unique appearance. Doto sarsiae also has a pair of long, slender cerata, which are finger-like projections that extend from the dorsal surface of its body. These cerata are covered in small, white, or cream-colored dots, which are similar in appearance to the spots on the rest of the body.
Habitat and Occurrence
Doto sarsiae is a common inhabitant of the shallow waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is typically found in the intertidal zone and the subtidal zone, which is the area between the low tide mark and a depth of about 20 meters. Doto sarsiae is often found in association with the hydroid Tubularia indivisa, which it feeds on. Its presence in the intertidal and subtidal zones makes it a resident of the neritic zone, the coastal marine environment that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Doto sarsiae is a member of the family Dotidae, which is a group of nudibranchs that are characterized by their small size, bright colors, and the presence of cerata. The family Dotidae belongs to the order Nudibranchia, a group of sea slugs that lack an external shell. Nudibranchia is classified under the class Gastropoda, a large and diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and limpets.
Feeding
Doto sarsiae is a carnivorous animal that specializes in feeding on hydroids, particularly Tubularia indivisa. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure in its mouth, to scrape the polyps off of the hydroid. The cerata of Doto sarsiae play a significant role in its feeding habits. They are able to absorb the nematocysts, or stinging cells, from the hydroids it eats. These nematocysts are then used by Doto sarsiae for its own defense.
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