Nudibranch – Goniobranchus cavae

, Nudibranch, Goniobranchus cavae

The Goniobranchus cavae, commonly known as the Goniobranchus cavae, is a species of sea slug, a nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusc in the family Chromodorididae. The Goniobranchus cavae is a colorful and striking creature, adding vibrancy to the underwater landscape.

Description & Characteristics

The Goniobranchus cavae is a relatively large nudibranch, reaching a maximum size of up to 60 millimeters in length. Its body is typically a bright yellow or orange color, with a distinctive pattern of black or brown spots and lines. It has a smooth, oval-shaped body with a prominent mantle that covers its back. The Goniobranchus cavae also has two prominent rhinophores (sensory organs) on its head, which are used to detect food and potential predators.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Goniobranchus cavae is found in a variety of marine environments, including intertidal reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass meadows. It is typically found in the subtidal zone, which extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. The Goniobranchus cavae is also known to inhabit the neritic zone, which is the relatively shallow water over the continental shelf. This wide distribution in different marine zones highlights the Goniobranchus cavae‘s adaptability and its significant role in the marine ecosystem.

Taxonomy

The species Goniobranchus cavae belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Chromodorididae. This classification places the Goniobranchus cavae within a diverse group of marine mollusks known for their striking colors and unique adaptations.

Feeding

The Goniobranchus cavae is a food specialist, meaning it has a specific dietary preference. It feeds primarily on sponges, which it locates using its rhinophores. The Goniobranchus cavae ingests the sponge and extracts nutrients from it, contributing to the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.

Associated Species

Image References

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