The Warty Slug – Phyllidia multifaria is a species of sea slug belonging to the family Phyllidiidae. This striking creature is a nudibranch, a group of marine gastropods known for their vibrant colors and lack of shells.
Description & Characteristics
The Warty Slug – Phyllidia multifaria is a distinctive nudibranch, characterized by its warty, bumpy skin and the intricate network of ridges and folds that cover its body. These features, along with its vibrant colors, likely serve as camouflage and protection against predators. It can reach a maximum size of 10 centimeters, making it a relatively large nudibranch.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Warty Slug – Phyllidia multifaria typically inhabits the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is often found in shallow to moderate depths, typically between 5 and 20 meters. The Warty Slug – Phyllidia multifaria is well-adapted to the warm, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, frequently inhabiting coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms. It is considered to be a common species within its range, contributing to the biodiversity of these vibrant marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Warty Slug – Phyllidia multifaria belongs to the Class Gastropoda, a large and diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and limpets. Within this class, Phyllidia multifaria is classified under the Order Nudibranchia, a group of gastropods characterized by their lack of shells and often striking external features. The species Phyllidia multifaria is part of the Family Phyllidiidae, a family of nudibranchs known for their distinctive bumpy and ridged bodies.
Feeding
The Warty Slug – Phyllidia multifaria is a carnivore and a food specialist. Its diet consists primarily of sponges, which it locates and consumes with its radula, a specialized feeding structure found in most gastropods. It can ingest a wide variety of sponges, contributing to the ecological balance of its marine environment.
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