The Glauca Aeolid or Aeolidiella glauca is a fascinating species of nudibranch, a type of sea slug. These colorful creatures belong to the family Aeolidiidae, which are characterized by their slender bodies and prominent cerata, finger-like projections that cover their dorsal surface.
Description & Characteristics
The Glauca Aeolid, Aeolidiella glauca, is a small nudibranch, typically reaching a maximum size of about 20 mm. Its body is elongated and slender, with a translucent, white to gray background, often adorned with patches of bright orange or yellow. The most striking feature of this species is its cerata, which are numerous and densely packed. They can be white, orange, or yellow, with a distinctive black tip, giving the slug a distinctive appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Aeolidiella glauca is a common nudibranch found in various habitats, including intertidal and subtidal zones. They can be found on gravel soils, rubble rocks, muddy grounds, sandy seafloors, and seagrass meadows, particularly in eelgrass meadows. Their presence is often associated with areas of abundant food sources, which are predominantly cnidarians such as hydroids.
Taxonomy
The species Aeolidiella glauca belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Aeolidiidae. This family is part of the larger group of sea slugs, which are all classified as mollusks. Nudibranchs, also known as sea slugs, are distinguished by their lack of a shell and their often vibrant colors.
Feeding
The Aeolidiella glauca is a predatory nudibranch, specializing in feeding on cnidarians, particularly hydroids. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure in their mouth, to scrape off the hydroids’ tissues and consume them. In a fascinating adaptation, the Glauca Aeolid can store the stinging cells (nematocysts) of their prey within their own cerata. This allows them to utilize the stolen nematocysts for defense, becoming a walking arsenal of stinging cells.
Image References