Cuthonidae
Cuthonidae is a family of small, brightly colored sea slugs, commonly known as “cuthonid nudibranchs.” These fascinating creatures belong to the order Nudibranchia, which is part of the larger class Gastropoda (snails and slugs). Cuthonidae are distinguished by their distinctive features, including their slender, elongated bodies, often adorned with colorful tubercles or cerata, and their specialized feeding habits.
Common Names
While "cuthonid nudibranchs" is a common name used by scientists, these sea slugs are also known as "cuthons" or simply "nudibranchs" within the marine biology community. However, these are less specific than the more formal name "cuthonid nudibranchs" and may refer to other types of nudibranchs.
Characteristics
Cuthonidae are known for their vibrant coloration, often featuring bright shades of orange, yellow, red, and white. Their bodies are typically slender and elongated, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. A defining characteristic is the presence of cerata - small, finger-like projections that cover their dorsal surface. These cerata may be smooth or covered with tubercles and serve multiple functions, including respiration and defense.
Cuthonid nudibranchs are carnivorous, feeding primarily on hydroids - colonial animals that resemble small plants. They have specialized mouthparts called radula that allow them to scrape and tear off hydroid polyps. Some species are known to be particularly picky about their prey, only feeding on specific hydroid species.
Environments
Cuthonid nudibranchs are found in marine environments worldwide. They are commonly observed in shallow coastal waters, often associated with rocky reefs, seaweeds, and other habitats where their preferred hydroid prey thrives.
References
For further information on the Cuthonidae family, please refer to the following sources: