Coryphella
Coryphella is a genus of small, brightly colored sea slugs, which are marine gastropod mollusks in the family Coryphellidae. They are commonly known as nudibranchs, which means “naked gill.” The genus is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, with species found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans.
Common Names
Coryphella species are often referred to simply as "Coryphella" or by their specific species name. Some species have common names such as:
- White-lined Coryphella (Coryphella verrucosa)
- Scarlet Coryphella (Coryphella rufibranchialis)
- Orange Coryphella (Coryphella aurantiaca)
Characteristics
Coryphella nudibranchs are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, which typically range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length. They have a distinctive cerata, which are finger-like projections along their backs, that are used for respiration and defense. The cerata are often brightly colored, contributing to the nudibranch's vibrant appearance.
These sea slugs are carnivorous and feed on hydroids, a type of colonial invertebrate. They have a radula, a ribbon-like structure in their mouth, that is used to scrape food off the hydroids. Their coloration often mimics the colors of the hydroids they consume, providing camouflage and protection from predators.
Environments
Coryphella nudibranchs are found in a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows. They are typically found in shallow waters, but some species have been observed at depths of over 100 meters.
References
For more information on Coryphella, you can consult the following reliable resources: