The fiery nudibranch, Okenia amoenula, is a species of colourful sea slug, specifically a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Goniodorididae.[1]
| Fiery nudibranch Okenia amoenula | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Heterobranchia |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Doridina |
| Superfamily: | Onchidoridoidea |
| Family: | Goniodorididae |
| Genus: | Okenia |
| Species: | O. amoenula
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| Binomial name | |
| Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907)
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Distribution edit
This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found from the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth intertidally to at least 30 m.[2][3] It has also been reported from Angola.[4]
Description edit
The fiery nudibranch is a small (up to 20 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch which is often overlooked until its egg ribbons are seen. It is then often noticed in groups. It has a pale body streaked with orange and a margin characterised by yellow-orange tipped fingerlike projections which resemble flames. The rhinophores are white and the gills are orange-striped.[5]
Ecology edit
The fiery nudibranch is often found on bryozoans. Its egg mass is a sprawling white curl of several turns.
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Two fiery nudibranchs with their egg ribbons
References edit
- ^ Rosenberg, G. (2015). Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907). In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2015-10-16
- ^ Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
- ^ Rudman, W.B., 2002 (January 3) Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.
- ^ Vallès Y., Valdés Á. & Ortea J. (2000). On the phanerobranch dorids of Angola (Mollusca, Nudibranchia): a crossroads of temperate and tropical species. Zoosystema. 22(1): 15-31.
- ^ Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3