Nudibranch – Geitodoris pusae

, Nudibranch, Geitodoris pusae
Depth: 6 - 68 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, Yellow Sea

Geitodoris pusae, a species of sea slug, is a fascinating and colorful creature found in the marine environment. Belonging to the family Discodorididae, Geitodoris pusae showcases vibrant hues and intricate patterns, highlighting the diversity of life within the oceans.

Description & Characteristics

Geitodoris pusae is a medium-sized nudibranch, reaching a maximum size of around 5 cm in length. Its body is typically characterized by a distinct orange or reddish-orange coloration with white or cream-colored spots scattered across its surface. These spots can range in size and shape, adding to the unique appearance of each individual. The mantle, or outer covering, of Geitodoris pusae is smooth and glossy, contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Habitat and Occurrence

Geitodoris pusae is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. This nudibranch thrives in shallow, rocky reefs and areas with abundant sponge growth, particularly in the subtidal zone, which is the area below the low tide mark but still within the photic zone. Geitodoris pusae can be observed at depths ranging from a few meters down to around 30 meters, demonstrating its adaptability to different marine conditions.

Taxonomy

Geitodoris pusae is classified within the phylum Mollusca, specifically belonging to the Class Gastropoda, the Order Nudibranchia, and the Family Discodorididae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and shared characteristics with other nudibranchs, highlighting its unique place within the larger world of mollusks.

Feeding

Geitodoris pusae is a specialist feeder, with its diet consisting almost entirely of sponges. These sponges serve as both a source of food and a means of protection, as some sponges contain toxins that can deter predators. Geitodoris pusae has evolved a specialized digestive system that allows it to break down and utilize the complex compounds found in sponges. This specialized feeding strategy makes Geitodoris pusae an important component of the marine ecosystem, contributing to the balance and diversity of life within its habitat.

Associated Species

Image References

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