The Trapania Nudibranch – Trapania safracornia is a striking and fascinating species of sea slug, belonging to the family Goniodorididae. It stands out for its vibrant coloration and unique features, making it a popular subject among marine enthusiasts.
Description & Characteristics
The Trapania safracornia is a small, but visually captivating nudibranch, reaching a maximum size of approximately 15 millimeters. This colorful sea slug exhibits a distinctive orange body adorned with numerous white spots, adding to its striking appearance. Additionally, its body possesses prominent, finger-like cerata, which are sensory appendages that aid in the detection of prey and chemical stimuli. The Trapania safracornia is also distinguished by its prominent, orange rhinophores, which are olfactory organs used for sensing its surroundings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Trapania safracornia prefers a specific type of habitat, typically found in shallow, coastal waters. They have been observed to inhabit a range of depths from the intertidal zone to around 30 meters. Their distribution is geographically limited, primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea. This marine zone serves as a key habitat for the Trapania safracornia, where it thrives within the rocky shores and sandy bottoms of the Mediterranean.
Taxonomy
The Trapania safracornia is classified as a member of the Order Nudibranchia, within the Class Gastropoda. This unique species is part of the larger family Goniodorididae, which includes various other species of nudibranchs with distinctive features.
Feeding
The Trapania safracornia is known to be a specialist feeder, relying on a specific food source: Kelchwürmer (Entroprocta). These are small, sedentary marine invertebrates that are typically found attached to rocks and seaweed. The Trapania safracornia uses its sharp, radula (a tongue-like structure with teeth) to scrape and consume these Entroprocta, demonstrating its specific feeding habits.
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