Dolabella
Dolabella is a genus of sea slugs, specifically nudibranchs, belonging to the family Dolabellidae. These marine gastropods are known for their distinctive flattened, oval-shaped bodies and their ability to swim using their large, muscular foot.
Common Names
Members of the genus Dolabella are commonly referred to as "sea hares" or "sea rabbits" due to their resemblance to these terrestrial animals. However, this name is also used for other nudibranch species, such as Aplysia.
Characteristics
Dolabella species share several key characteristics:
- Flattened body: They have a broad, oval-shaped body, often described as "hare-like".
- Large, muscular foot: Their large foot enables them to crawl and swim by undulating movements.
- Rhinophores: They possess two pairs of rhinophores, sensory organs that help them detect chemical cues in their environment.
- Cerata: While some Dolabella species lack cerata (projections on the body), others have them in varying numbers and shapes. These structures can be used for defense or feeding.
- Lack of shell: Like other nudibranchs, they have no external shell, providing them with increased flexibility.
- Defensive mechanisms: Dolabella species are known to produce a purple ink as a defense mechanism, similar to squid and octopus.
Environments
Dolabella species are typically found in shallow, coastal waters, often in association with seagrass beds, coral reefs, or rocky shores. They prefer warm tropical and subtropical regions.
References
For more detailed information on Dolabella, consult the following reliable sources: