The Fellow’s Nudibranch, Snowball Sea Slug, scientifically known as Hiatodoris fellowsi, is a captivating species of sea slug belonging to the family Discodorididae. Its vibrant white body, often dotted with black spots, makes it a striking sight in the marine world.
Description & Characteristics
The Fellow’s Nudibranch, Snowball Sea Slug is a relatively small species, reaching a maximum size of approximately 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches). Its body is typically white or cream-colored, often adorned with black spots that can vary in size and distribution. The rhinophores, which are sensory organs on the head, are usually short and club-shaped. The mantle, the fleshy covering over the back, is smooth and may have a slightly bumpy texture.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Fellow’s Nudibranch, Snowball Sea Slug, Hiatodoris fellowsi, is predominantly found in shallow, tropical waters. It favors rocky reefs and tide pools, often residing in the intertidal zone, where it can withstand fluctuating conditions of water depth and salinity. Its distribution spans various parts of the Indo-Pacific region, encompassing locations like the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Red Sea.
Taxonomy
The species Hiatodoris fellowsi belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Discodorididae. The order Nudibranchia, within the class Gastropoda, comprises a group of fascinating marine gastropods that are characterized by their lack of shells in their adult stage. The family Discodorididae is notable for its members’ often brightly colored bodies and their penchant for inhabiting rocky reefs and sponge-rich environments.
Feeding
The Fellow’s Nudibranch, Snowball Sea Slug, Hiatodoris fellowsi, is a specialized feeder, relying primarily on sponges as its food source. This dietary specialization makes it a crucial part of the delicate balance within its marine ecosystem. By consuming sponges, it helps control their population and contribute to the overall health of the coral reef habitat.
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