Ercolania
Ercolania is a genus of small, brightly colored sea slugs, commonly known as nudibranchs. These marine gastropods belong to the family Chromodorididae, and are distinguished by their distinctive coloration and patterns. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, primarily in coral reefs.
Common Names
The common names for Ercolania species vary depending on the specific species and region. Some common names include:
- Chromodorid nudibranch
- Sea slug
- Nudibranch
Characteristics
Ercolania species share several key characteristics:
- Size: Typically small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length.
- Coloration: Brightly colored, often with contrasting patterns of spots, stripes, or lines.
- Body Shape: Elongated, oval-shaped body with a distinct head and rhinophores (sensory organs).
- Gills: Branched, feather-like gills on the dorsal (back) side of the body.
- No Shell: As with other nudibranchs, Ercolania species lack an external shell.
Environments
Ercolania species are primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters, primarily in coral reefs. They are typically found on the underside of rocks, coral rubble, and seaweeds.
Diet
Ercolania species are carnivorous and feed mainly on sponges. They use their radula (a ribbon-like structure with teeth) to scrape the sponge tissue.