Cuthona valentini, also known as the Valentine’s Nudibranch, is a species of sea slug, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cuthonidae. These nudibranchs are known for their distinctive appearance and fascinating feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
Cuthona valentini are relatively small nudibranchs, typically reaching a maximum size of about 10 mm. Their bodies are elongated and slender, with a characteristic orange-red to pinkish coloration. They have cerata, which are finger-like projections that extend from their dorsal surface. These cerata are typically tipped with white, giving the nudibranch a distinctive appearance. They also possess rhinophores, which are sensory organs located on the head, and oral tentacles.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cuthona valentini is primarily found in the North Atlantic Ocean. This nudibranch typically inhabits rocky shores and intertidal zones, often in association with its prey. It is a common sight in the northeastern Atlantic, including the coasts of the British Isles and Scandinavia. The species is also found in the Mediterranean Sea. As it is a shallow-water species, it can be encountered in the intertidal zone as well as the subtidal zone, but it is generally found within a depth range of 0-20 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Cuthona valentini belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Cuthonidae. This family of nudibranchs is characterized by their slender bodies and relatively simple cerata. The Cuthonidae are known for their diverse feeding habits, including specializing on certain types of prey like hydroids.
Feeding
Cuthona valentini is a food specialist, meaning it relies on a specific type of prey. These nudibranchs feed exclusively on Hydrozoa polyps, which are small, colonial animals that belong to the phylum Cnidaria. The nudibranch uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth, to scrape and ingest the polyps. The cerata of Cuthona valentini play a significant role in feeding. They are covered in cnidosacs, which are specialized cells that capture the stinging nematocysts from the hydroids. These nematocysts are then transferred to the nudibranch’s own body, providing it with a defensive mechanism.
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