Amphorina andra, commonly known as the “Amphorina andra”, is a species of nudibranch, a type of marine gastropod mollusk. These fascinating creatures are known for their vibrant colors and unique body shapes.
Description & Characteristics
Amphorina andra is characterized by its slender, cylindrical body, typically reaching a maximum size of a few centimeters. The body is covered in cerata, small, finger-like projections that are thought to aid in respiration and defense. The coloration of Amphorina andra can vary, but often features shades of orange, red, or brown.
Habitat and Occurrence
Amphorina andra is typically found in intertidal reefs and other shallow-water habitats. These nudibranchs are primarily found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which encompass the depths from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters. This wide range positions Amphorina andra within the neritic marine zone, a region characterized by its relatively shallow water and diverse ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Amphorina andra is a member of the class Gastropoda, which includes a vast array of mollusks with a single shell, or in some cases, no shell at all. It belongs to the order Nudibranchia, known for their brightly colored bodies and lack of an external shell. Within this order, Amphorina andra is classified in the family Eubranchidae, a group of nudibranchs known for their slender bodies and distinct cerata.
Feeding
Amphorina andra is a specialist feeder, with its diet consisting almost exclusively of hydrozoa polyps. These polyps are small, colonial animals that can be found in various marine environments. The nudibranch’s feeding behavior involves using its radula, a toothed tongue-like structure, to scrape the polyps off their substrate.
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