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Related FAQs: Nudibranchs, Nudibranchs 2, Nudibranch Identification, Nudi ID 2, Nudi ID 3, Nudi ID 4, & Nudibranch Behavior, Nudibranch Compatibility, Nudibranch Selection, Nudibranch Systems, Nudibranch Feeding, Nudibranch Disease, Nudibranch Reproduction, Berghia Nudibranchs, Marine Snails 1, Marine Snails 2, Marine Snails 3Marine Snails 4, Sea SlugsSeaslugs 2, Snail ID 1, Snail ID 2, Snail ID 3

Related Articles: Dorid et al. Nudibranchs pt. 2, Aeolid Nudibranchs pt. 3, Sea Slugs, Gastropods, Mollusks, Aiptasia/Glass Anemones

/The Conscientious Marine Aquarist

Nudibranchs, The Naked-Gill Sea Slugs, pt. 13, Aeolids

To: Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3, Pt. 4, Pt. 5, Pt. 6, Pt. 7, Pt. 8, Pt. 9, Pt. 10, Pt. 11, Pt. 12, Pt. 14, Pt. 15, Pt. 16

 

By Bob Fenner  

Suborder Aeolidacea, Aeolids:

('Eye-Oh-Lidz'), (sometimes Aeolids, Suborder Aeolidacea) have clusters of elongated dorsal structures, the cerata provide cryptic architecture, making them look like sea anemones when balled up. The cerata serve several other functions; as a respiratory surface, in some species each containing a glandular digestive lobe; and very importantly for marine aquarists they may contain specialized cnidosomes. Take a good look at that word. Sounds a lot like the stinging cells of Cnidarians (Coelenterates) (anemones, corals, jellyfish...) for good reason. These Nudibranch species store undischarged nematocysts from feeding on the animals that produce them. If these transplanted weapons on their backs weren't enough, some Aeolids pack poisonous glands, spiky bundles of calcareous spicules or noxious mucus secretions as well. No wonder they're not often eaten.

In addition to the pair of rhinophores that Dorids possess, Aeolids sport a pair of oral tentacles and parapodial tentacles. Their body and foot are generally more elongated and narrower, especially tapering posteriorly, than the Dorids.

Family Facelinidae:

Caloria indica (Bergh 1896). Likely the most common member of the family in the Indo-Pacific. Orange head, body with white and yellow markings. Cerata blue, yellow and red striped. Raja Ampat 08.


Phidiana indica (Bergh 1896). Feeds on Hydroids. Indo-Pacific; Red Sea, East Africa to Japan. N. Sulawesi (Lembeh Strait) pix. To 5 cm. 

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Phidiana lynceus Bergh 1867. Brazil to Florida. To 1.25"/30mm. Here in Cozumel.

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Genus Phyllodesmium:

Phyllodesmium briareum (Bergh 1896). Tropical central Pacific; Malaysia to PNG. N. Sulawesi (Lembeh Strait) pix. To 4 cm. 

http://www.seaslugforum.net/phylbria.htm

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Phyllodesmium crypticum, Rudman 1981. Tapering tubercles with cerata showing branching digestive glands inside. KBR

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Phyllodesmium hyalinum Ehrenburg 1831. Indo-West Pacific; Red Sea to Malaysia. N. Sulawesi (Lembeh Strait) pix. 

http://www.seaslugforum.net/phylhyal.htm

Phyllodesmium hyalinum Ehrenberg 1831. 45 mm. Feed on Corals, esp. Xeniids. Red Sea, I.O. to W. Pacific. A trio on Tubipora musica here in Bali 2014

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Phyllodesmium longicirrum Bergh 1905, the Solar-Powered Nudibranch. Indonesia, New Guinea, East Australia. To 14 cm. Soft Coral feeder that concentrates the acquired Zooxanthellae for its own use... food from their photosynthesis (detail). N. Sulawesi pix.


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Verticals (Full/Cover Page Sizes Available

To: Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3, Pt. 4, Pt. 5, Pt. 6, Pt. 7, Pt. 8, Pt. 9, Pt. 10, Pt. 11, Pt. 12, Pt. 14, Pt. 15, Pt. 16

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