Limapontiidae
The Limapontiidae are a family of sea slugs, specifically a family of sacoglossan sea slugs. The family is part of the order Sacoglossa, within the subclass Heterobranchia and the class Gastropoda. The family contains over 150 species, distributed globally in tropical and subtropical waters. They are characterized by their small size, typically less than 10 mm long, and their distinctive flattened, oval-shaped body.
Common Names
Limapontiids are commonly referred to as "sap-sucking slugs" or "sea hares" due to their feeding habits and resemblance to the larger sea hares (Aplysiidae).
Characteristics
Limapontiidae exhibit several distinctive features:
- They lack a shell, instead having a soft, translucent body.
- They have a pair of large, prominent rhinophores, or sensory tentacles, on their head.
- They possess a pair of cerata, finger-like projections, along their backs, which are used for respiration and, in some species, defense.
- They are typically brightly colored, often green, blue, or orange, which helps them camouflage against their algal food sources.
Environment
Limapontiidae are typically found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, inhabiting areas with dense algal growth. They are often associated with specific types of algae, such as those belonging to the genera *Codium*, *Caulerpa*, and *Bryopsis*.
Feeding
Limapontiids are herbivores and are specialized in feeding on a specific type of algae known as siphonous green algae. They possess a unique feeding mechanism involving a specialized structure called a "stylet." This stylet, located in their mouth, allows them to pierce the algal cell walls and suck out the cell contents, particularly the chloroplasts. This process is known as "kleptoplasty," where the stolen chloroplasts continue to photosynthesize within the slug's body, providing a source of energy.
References
World Register of Marine Species
National Center for Biotechnology Information