The Tarka Sea-Lemon (Sclerodoris tarka) is a vibrantly colored species of sea slug, belonging to the group known as nudibranchs. These marine invertebrates are characterized by their striking appearance and their unique feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
The Sclerodoris tarka is a medium-sized nudibranch, typically reaching a maximum size of around 6 cm in length. Its body is oval-shaped and flattened, with a distinctive dorsal surface that displays a striking combination of colors. The mantle, or outer covering, is predominantly a bright orange-red color, often punctuated by scattered white spots. This striking color pattern is further accentuated by the presence of a prominent orange-red rim along the mantle’s edge, giving the Sclerodoris tarka its distinctive sea-lemon appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sclerodoris tarka is a common inhabitant of the Indo-Pacific region, with a distribution that spans from the Red Sea and the East African coast to the Pacific Ocean. This species is typically found in shallow, coastal waters, often in association with coral reefs and rocky shores. It prefers depths ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of around 20 meters, where it can thrive in various marine environments. The Sclerodoris tarka is a particularly common sight in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, making it a prominent presence in these diverse ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Sclerodoris tarka is classified within the phylum Mollusca, specifically in the Class Gastropoda. This class encompasses a diverse array of mollusks, including snails, slugs, and sea slugs. Within Gastropoda, Sclerodoris tarka belongs to the Order Nudibranchia, which comprises the sea slugs, distinguished by their lack of a shell and their often flamboyant external appearances. Further classification places Sclerodoris tarka within the Family Discodorididae, a family of nudibranchs known for their flattened bodies and their characteristic color patterns. This intricate classification highlights the specific evolutionary relationships and characteristics that define this unique species of sea slug.
Feeding
The Sclerodoris tarka is a highly specialized feeder, with a diet that consists almost exclusively of sponges. These sponges provide not only a source of food but also a source of chemical defenses. As a result, the Sclerodoris tarka is able to incorporate the chemical defenses of the sponges it consumes into its own body, providing it with protection from predators. This unique adaptation allows Sclerodoris tarka to thrive in a variety of marine environments, effectively using its dietary specialization as a means of survival.
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