Ghost nudibranch
Species of gastropod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ghost nudibranch, Lecithophorus capensis, is a species of dorid nudibranch, and is only found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Polyceridae. It is the sole species of the genus Lecithophorus.[1]
| Ghost nudibranch | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Family: | Polyceridae |
| Genus: | Lecithophorus |
| Species: | L. capensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lecithophorus capensis Macnae, 1958 | |
Distribution
This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found on both sides of the Cape Peninsula from the intertidal to at least 30 m.[2]
Description
The ghost nudibranch is an almost transparent animal with a deep body and an opaque white margin. Its digestive system is visible as a purple mass at the posterior end of its body. Its rhinophores and gills are white.[3]
Ecology
The ghost nudibranch feeds on colonial sea squirts and bryozoans.
