Nudibranch – Dermatobranchus albus

, Nudibranch, Dermatobranchus albus
Depth: 1 - 40 m

Afghanistan, Alaska, Algeria, Andaman and Nicobar, Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Arctic, Argentina, Ascension Island, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores Islands, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Corsica Island, Crete Island, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, El Salvador, England, Equatorial Guinea, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira Islands, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sardinia Island, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Sicily Island, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, US Minor Islands, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf

The Dermatobranchus albus, also known as the “White Dermatobranchus”, is a fascinating and distinctive species of nudibranch. This marine invertebrate, belonging to the family Arminidae, exhibits unique characteristics that set it apart from other nudibranchs. Its small size and distinctive white coloration make it a captivating subject for marine biologists and underwater enthusiasts.

Description & Characteristics

Dermatobranchus albus typically reaches a maximum size of 15 millimeters. Its white body is adorned with a distinctive pattern of small black spots. These spots are scattered across its dorsal surface, enhancing its visual appeal. The Dermatobranchus albus possesses a pair of rhinophores, sensory organs used for detecting food and navigating its environment. These rhinophores are located at the anterior end of its body, allowing it to effectively perceive its surroundings.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Dermatobranchus albus is primarily found in the Intertidal (Eulittoral) zone, the area between the high and low tide lines. This habitat is characterized by the constant ebb and flow of tides, creating a challenging environment for marine organisms. The Dermatobranchus albus, however, thrives in this intertidal zone, where it finds suitable food sources and shelter.

Taxonomy

The Dermatobranchus albus belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Arminidae. This classification reflects its close relationship to other nudibranchs and its unique adaptations as a gastropod.

Distribution and Occurrence

The Dermatobranchus albus is commonly found in the Intertidal (Eulittoral) zone, the intertidal zone between the high and low tide lines characterized by the alternation of low and high tides. Its presence in this specific marine zone is a testament to its resilience and adaptability to fluctuating environmental conditions.

Feeding

The Dermatobranchus albus is a corallivorous species, meaning it primarily feeds on coral polyps. This diet is crucial for its survival, providing essential nutrients and energy. Its feeding habits contribute to the ecological balance of the coral reef ecosystem.

Associated Species

Image References

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