The Whitetip Aeolid – Baeolidia salaamica is a captivating species of nudibranch, belonging to the family Aeolidiidae. These vibrant creatures are known for their striking appearance and intriguing predatory habits.
Description & Characteristics
Baeolidia salaamica showcases a slender, elongated body with a characteristic white tip at the end of each cerata, the finger-like projections that cover its back. The cerata are arranged in rows along the body, giving the Whitetip Aeolid a distinctively spiky appearance. Their coloration is typically a combination of yellow, orange, and brown, with variations in intensity depending on their diet and geographical location. The Whitetip Aeolid can reach a maximum size of approximately 25 mm.
Habitat and Occurrence
Baeolidia salaamica is a common sight in shallow coastal waters, particularly in the intertidal and subtidal zones. This species thrives in a variety of marine ecosystems, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass meadows. They are often found in areas with abundant sea anemones, their primary food source.
Taxonomy
The Whitetip Aeolid – Baeolidia salaamica, is classified within the Phylum Mollusca, belonging to the Class Gastropoda, Order Nudibranchia, and Family Aeolidiidae. Gastropods, a diverse group, include snails and slugs, while Nudibranchia encompasses the vibrant and often colorful sea slugs. The Aeolidiidae family is known for its members’ characteristic cerata, which are filled with cnidosacs, structures that store stinging cells acquired from their prey, providing a defense mechanism.
Feeding
Baeolidia salaamica is a carnivore, feeding primarily on sea anemones. These nudibranchs possess specialized feeding habits, utilizing their radula, a toothed ribbon in their mouth, to scrape off the tissues of their prey. The stinging cells, or nematocysts, from the anemones are then stored in the cnidosacs within the cerata, providing the Whitetip Aeolid with a defense mechanism against predators.
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