Tylodina rafinesquii is a species of sea slug, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Tylodinidae. It is a common and widely distributed species found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Description & Characteristics
Tylodina rafinesquii is a small to medium-sized sea slug, with an average size of about 2-3 cm in length. Its body is oval-shaped and flattened, with a prominent mantle that extends over the head and flanks. The mantle is often covered in small, tubercles or bumps. The color of Tylodina rafinesquii can vary considerably, ranging from pale gray to dark brown, often with patches of darker pigmentation or lighter spots. The underside of the body is white or yellowish. It has a pair of prominent rhinophores, or sensory tentacles, located on the dorsal surface of the head, as well as a pair of oral tentacles that are used for feeding.
Habitat and Occurrence
Tylodina rafinesquii is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is a common inhabitant of shallow, coastal waters, typically occurring in intertidal zones to depths of about 20 meters. Its preferred habitats include rocky shores, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. This species thrives in areas with abundant seaweed, its primary food source.
Taxonomy
Tylodina rafinesquii belongs to the family Tylodinidae, which is classified within the order Umbraculida and the class Gastropoda. The Umbraculida is a small order of sea slugs that includes about 25 species. Gastropoda is a vast and diverse class of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and limpets, representing the largest and most diverse class within the phylum Mollusca.
Feeding
Tylodina rafinesquii is an herbivorous sea slug that feeds primarily on red algae. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure in its mouth, to scrape algae from surfaces. It is a significant consumer of algae in its habitat and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
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