Ceratodoris pilosa is a species of sea slug, a nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Goniodorididae. Like other nudibranchs, Ceratodoris pilosa has no shell, and its body is covered in cerata, which are finger-like projections that are used for respiration and defense.
Description & Characteristics
Ceratodoris pilosa is a relatively small nudibranch, reaching a maximum size of about 20 mm in length. Its body is typically a pale, translucent white color, with a series of brown or black spots or blotches scattered across its dorsum (upper surface). The cerata are also white, with brown tips and a few brown spots. The rhinophores (sensory organs) are short and club-shaped, and the oral tentacles are also relatively short.
Habitat and Occurrence
Ceratodoris pilosa is a relatively common nudibranch found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. This means it can be found in the area where the ocean meets the land, but also further down, within the shallow waters along the coast. It is particularly prevalent in rocky areas with a good supply of its preferred food source. It is considered a subtidal species, making it a more common sight in deeper waters.
Taxonomy
Ceratodoris pilosa belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Goniodorididae. This means it is a member of the larger group of snails and slugs, classified as a nudibranch, and within this order, it belongs to the family Goniodorididae.
Feeding
Ceratodoris pilosa is a specialist feeder, meaning it has a very specific diet. It feeds almost exclusively on bryozoans, which are small, colonial animals that often form mat-like structures on rocks and other surfaces. The nudibranch uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure in its mouth, to scrape the bryozoans off their substrates. It is a critical part of the marine ecosystem because it helps to control populations of bryozoans, preventing them from overgrowing and harming other organisms.
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