Nudibranch – Tambja mullineri

, Nudibranch, Tambja mullineri

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The Tambja mullineri, also known as the “Mulliner’s Tambja,” is a species of colorful sea slug, or nudibranch, belonging to the family Polyceridae. These fascinating creatures are renowned for their vibrant and intricate patterns, making them a popular subject among marine enthusiasts and underwater photographers.

Description & Characteristics

The Tambja mullineri is a relatively small nudibranch, reaching a maximum size of about 20 millimeters. Its body is typically a bright orange-red color, with a series of white or cream-colored spots scattered across its back. The mantle, or dorsal surface, is covered in numerous small, fleshy tubercles, giving it a bumpy texture. The rhinophores, the sensory organs on the head, are elongated and tipped with a distinctive white club. The gills, located at the rear of the body, are feathery and often appear to be tipped with white.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Tambja mullineri is a common inhabitant of shallow, rocky reefs and tide pools in temperate marine environments. Its distribution encompasses a wide range of areas, including the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It is particularly prevalent in the intertidal and subtidal zones, which are characterized by frequent fluctuations in water level and exposure to sunlight. This nudibranch has also been observed in the infralittoral zone, the region extending from the low tide mark to depths of around 20 meters.

Taxonomy

The species Tambja mullineri belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Polyceridae. This classification places it within a diverse group of marine mollusks that have lost their shells over evolutionary time.

Feeding

The Tambja mullineri is a specialist feeder, relying solely on a particular type of food source: Bryozoans, commonly known as sea mats. These colonial invertebrates, resembling small, moss-like patches, are found in abundance on rocky surfaces within the Tambja mullineri’s habitat. The nudibranch uses its radula, a tongue-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape and consume the bryozoan colonies.

Associated Species

Image References

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