Onchidorididae

The Onchidorididae are a family of small to medium-sized sea slugs, commonly known as onchidorid nudibranchs. They are a diverse group of marine gastropods that belong to the order Nudibranchia, which are shell-less marine mollusks. Onchidorid nudibranchs are distinguished by their characteristic soft, oval bodies and often striking color patterns. They are found in various marine environments worldwide, typically in shallow coastal waters, living among algae and rocks.

Acanthodoris atrogriseata

Nudibranch – Acanthodoris mollicella

Wine-plumed Spiny Doris, Rufous-tipped Nudibranch, Red-Gilled Dorid, Nanaimo Dorid – Acanthodoris nanaimoensis

Lovén’s Adalaria – Adalaria loveni

Acanthodoris falklandica

Hairy Spiny Doris, Thorny Doris – Acanthodoris pilosa

Brown Horned Dorid, Cedar-Scented Dorid – Acanthodoris brunnea

Spiny Doris, Hudson’s Yellow Margin Dorid – Acanthodoris hudsoni

Black-tipped Spiny Dorid – Acanthodoris rhodoceras

False Doris – Adalaria proxima

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Common Names

While "onchidorid nudibranchs" is a common name, members of this family may be referred to by other names depending on the specific species and geographic location. Some examples include:

  • Sea slugs
  • Nudibranchs
  • Dorid nudibranchs (although this term is more broadly applied to the order Doridacea)

Characteristics

Onchidorididae share several defining characteristics:

  • Body shape: Generally oval, with a soft and often gelatinous texture.
  • Size: Small to medium-sized, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length.
  • Color: Exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, including brown, grey, green, and even bright yellow or orange.
  • Rhinophores: Short, club-shaped sensory organs located on the head, used to detect chemical cues and locate prey.
  • Cerata: Finger-like projections along the back, often containing digestive glands and defensive structures.
  • Gill: Branchial plumes located beneath the mantle, often hidden.
  • Mantle: A protective covering that extends over the body, often covering the gills.
  • Radula: A ribbon-like structure in the mouth with rows of teeth, used for scraping algae and other food sources.

Environment and Distribution

Onchidorididae are found in various marine environments, including:

  • Coastal waters
  • Intertidal zones
  • Subtidal regions
  • Rocky shores
  • Seaweed beds
  • Coral reefs

Their distribution is global, with members of this family present in temperate and tropical waters around the world.

References

For further information on Onchidorididae, please refer to the following reliable sources: