Aplustridae
Aplustridae is a family of sea slugs, or nudibranchs, belonging to the order Nudibranchia. These colorful and often intricately patterned gastropods are characterized by their shell-less bodies and their ability to breathe through external gills. They are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans, inhabiting a variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the depths of the abyss.
Common Names
Aplustrids are commonly referred to as sea hares due to their distinctive appearance, which resembles that of a hare. However, this name is also used for other unrelated species of sea slugs.
Characteristics
Aplustrid sea slugs are characterized by a number of features, including:
- Shell-less body: Unlike many other gastropods, aplustrids have no external shell. Their soft bodies are protected by a layer of mucus.
- External gills: These are feathery structures located on the back of the slug, which allow them to breathe underwater.
- Rhinophores: These are sensory organs located on the head, which are used to detect food and other stimuli.
- Cerata: These are finger-like projections that extend from the body, often containing nematocysts (stinging cells).
- Variety of colors and patterns: Aplustrids exhibit a remarkable range of colors and patterns, making them fascinating subjects for marine biologists and photographers.
Environments
Aplustrids can be found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are often found in shallow, rocky areas, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs.
- Open ocean: Some species are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean.
- Deep-sea: Aplustrids have also been found in the depths of the ocean.
References
For further information on Aplustridae, please consult the following references: