Costasiellidae
Costasiellidae is a family of small, colorful sea slugs, commonly known as costasiellans. These gastropods belong to the order Nudibranchia and are characterized by their vibrant colors, often with contrasting patterns. Costasiellans are known for their delicate and fragile bodies, and they are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Characteristics
Costasiellans are typically small in size, rarely exceeding 10 mm in length. Their bodies are elongated and slender, with prominent rhinophores (sensory organs) and cerata (protrusions on their backs). The cerata are often brightly colored and may have a distinctive shape or arrangement. They are carnivorous and feed on sponges, primarily those belonging to the genus Halichondria.
Environments
Costasiellans are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Shallow reefs
- Rocky shores
- Seagrass meadows
- Mangrove forests
They are particularly abundant in areas with a high density of their preferred sponge prey.
References
For more information on Costasiellidae, you can refer to the following resources: