Pleurobranchaea
Pleurobranchaea is a genus of large sea slugs, or nudibranchs, in the family Pleurobranchidae. They are commonly known as side-gilled slugs or pleurobranchs. These gastropods are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters, typically in shallow coastal areas.
Characteristics
Pleurobranchaea species exhibit a distinctive flattened body shape and a large, prominent mantle that covers most of their dorsal surface. They possess a pair of rhinophores, or sensory tentacles, and a single pair of gills located on the right side of the body, hence the name "side-gilled slug." Their coloration varies depending on the species, but they often display a combination of brown, grey, or green tones, sometimes with patches of white or yellow.
Environments
These sea slugs are typically found in rocky or sandy substrates, often hiding under rocks, in crevices, or amongst algae. They are carnivorous and primarily feed on sponges, occasionally consuming other invertebrates such as bryozoans.