Lotoria

Lotoria is a genus of sea slugs, specifically nudibranchs, belonging to the family Chromodorididae. Commonly known as “Chromodorid Nudibranchs,” these marine gastropods are renowned for their vibrant colors and patterns.

Characteristics

Lotoria species are characterized by their soft, slug-like bodies with prominent, often colorful, rhinophores (sensory organs) and cerata (projections on the back). Their external gills are located on the dorsal side of the body. These nudibranchs can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the species.

Environment

Lotoria nudibranchs are primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, where they feed on sponges.

Species

The genus Lotoria currently includes several species, with new ones being described regularly. Some of the most well-known species include:

  • Lotoria rubescens (Red Chromodorid Nudibranch)
  • Lotoria granulosa (Granular Chromodorid Nudibranch)
  • Lotoria zebra (Zebra Chromodorid Nudibranch)
  • Lotoria lineolata (Lineated Chromodorid Nudibranch)

References

For more information on Lotoria nudibranchs, you can refer to the following resources: