The Star Nudibranch, scientifically known as Bornella stellifera, is a captivating species of sea slug belonging to the family Bornellidae. These nudibranchs are renowned for their striking appearance and fascinating life history.
Description & Characteristics
Bornella stellifera, true to its name, boasts a star-shaped body with a vibrant coloration. The distinct star-like pattern is formed by numerous, raised, white tubercles scattered across its back. These tubercles are often tipped with a bright orange or red hue, further enhancing their striking appearance. The Star Nudibranch typically reaches a maximum size of around 3 centimeters in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Star Nudibranch prefers to inhabit the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. zones. This marine zone encompasses the region extending from the low tide mark to the continental shelf, making Bornella stellifera a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. They are commonly found on coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and in seagrass meadows, where they actively seek out their preferred food source.
Taxonomy
The species Bornella stellifera belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Bornellidae. This classification places the Star Nudibranch within a diverse group of marine mollusks, known for their lack of a shell and their often striking and colorful appearances.
Feeding
Bornella stellifera is a food specialist, meaning it has a restricted diet. Its primary food source consists of Hydrozoa polyps, which are small, colonial animals that live in a variety of marine habitats. The Star Nudibranch uses its specialized mouthparts to capture and consume these polyps, drawing sustenance from their tissues.
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