Tylodina
Tylodina is a genus of sea slugs, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Tylodinidae. These slugs are commonly known as “bubble snails” or “tylodines.” They are characterized by their unique body shape, which is oval or egg-shaped, with a flattened dorsal surface and a large, bulbous mantle that covers most of the body.
Characteristics
Tylodina species are small to medium-sized sea slugs, typically ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length. They are distinguished by their lack of a shell and the presence of a large, fleshy mantle that covers their bodies. This mantle can be smooth or covered in bumps, depending on the species.
Tylodines have a pair of short, retractable tentacles on their heads, which they use for sensing their surroundings. Their mouthparts are adapted for scraping algae, their primary food source. These sea slugs also have a pair of prominent gill openings located on the dorsal surface of their bodies, which they use for respiration.
Environments and Distribution
Tylodina species are found in a wide range of marine environments, including shallow coastal waters, rocky shores, and coral reefs. They are particularly abundant in tropical and subtropical regions, but some species also occur in temperate waters.
These sea slugs typically live among algae and seaweed, where they feed on diatoms and other microscopic organisms. Some species are known to be associated with specific types of algae, while others have more general diets.
Species
There are currently 12 recognized species in the genus Tylodina, with more being discovered regularly. Some of the most common species include:
- Tylodina fungina
- Tylodina formosa
- Tylodina perversa
- Tylodina lynceus
References
For more information about Tylodina, you can consult the following websites: