Dinosaur nudibranch
Species of gastropod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The dinosaur nudibranch (Melibe liltvedi) is a species of dendronotid nudibranch, and is only found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Tethydidae.
| Dinosaur nudibranch | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Dendronotacea |
| Family: | Tethydidae |
| Genus: | Melibe |
| Species: | M. liltvedi |
| Binomial name | |
| Melibe liltvedi Gosliner, 1987 | |
Distribution
This species is endemic to the South African coast and has only been found on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula in 10 to 20 m.[1]
Description
The dinosaur nudibranch is a white nudibranch distinguished by its large extendable hood. Puffy paired cerata extend down the notum and there is a projection of unknown function behind the rhinophore sheath.
Ecology
The dinosaur nudibranch feeds on small crustaceans, capturing them with its oral hood.