Chromodoris westraliensis
| Chromodoris westraliensis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Heterobranchia |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Doridina |
| Superfamily: | Doridoidea |
| Family: | Chromodorididae |
| Genus: | Chromodoris |
| Species: | C. westraliensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Chromodoris westraliensis (O'Donoghue, 1924)
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Chromodoris westraliensis is a
Distribution
This species of nudibranch occurs in coastal regions of Western Australia, from the Kimberley region in the north of the state, to its southern occurrence near Esperance. It is the most abundant nudibranch of the Perth region.[3]
Description
The length of this animal is up to 65 millimetres. A mantle covers the upper parts of the animal and extends to form a skirt at the sides. The colouring is two (or one) bright blue patches on a black background, with an orange outline. This
Ecology
These nudibranchs feed on sponges, usually a single species, storing the toxins the sponge contains, in order to deter their own potential predators. This species occurs in shallow waters on partially exposed reefs and at depths up to 18 metres.[3]
References
- ^ Rudman W.B. (1982) The Chromodorididae (Opisthobranchia: Mollusca) of the Indo-West Pacific: Chromodoris quadricolor, C. lineolata and Hypselodoris nigrolineata colour groups. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 76: 183-241. page(s): 226
- ^ Caballer, M. (2011). Chromodoris westraliensis (O'Donoghue, 1924). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2011-01-13
- ^ ISBN 0-7309-6894-4.
- ^ Rudman, W.B., 1998 (November 19) Chromodoris westraliensis (O'Donoghue, 1924). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.