The Marten’s Sidegill Slug, Marten’s Berthella – Tomoberthella martensi, is a captivating species of sea slug belonging to the family Pleurobranchidae. It is renowned for its unique appearance and fascinating feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
Tomoberthella martensi is characterized by its soft, somewhat gelatinous body. It exhibits a distinctive sidegill, a prominent feature that sets it apart from other sea slugs. Its size can vary, but typically ranges from a few centimeters to a maximum of around 10 centimeters in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Tomoberthella martensi is a marine species that thrives in a variety of underwater environments. It is commonly found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which are located between the lower limit of the intertidal zone and the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters water depth. This makes Tomoberthella martensi a common sight in neritic marine zones. Tomoberthella martensi may also be found in barrier reefs, intertidal zones, and tidal zones.
Taxonomy
Tomoberthella martensi is a member of the Class Gastropoda, the largest and most diverse class of mollusks. This class includes snails, slugs, and sea slugs. Tomoberthella martensi is further classified within the Order Pleurobranchida, which consists of sea slugs known as pleurobranchs. Finally, Tomoberthella martensi belongs to the Family Pleurobranchidae, a diverse family of sea slugs that share similar anatomical features.
Feeding
Tomoberthella martensi is a specialized feeder, with sponges being its primary food source. These sponges are typically found in its preferred habitats, making it a food specialist in the underwater ecosystem.
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