The inkspot nudibranch, Ceratosoma ingozi, is a species of colourful sea slug, a dorid nudibranch. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Chromodorididae.[2]
| Inkspot nudibranch | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Heterobranchia |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Doridina |
| Superfamily: | Doridoidea |
| Family: | Chromodorididae |
| Genus: | Ceratosoma |
| Species: | C. ingozi
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| Binomial name | |
| Ceratosoma ingozi | |
Distribution edit
This species has so far only been found around the southern African coast from the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth in 15–40 m of water. It is probably endemic.[3]
Description edit
The inkspot nudibranch is a deep-bodied dorid with a smooth skin and bluish-edged purple spots. It has creamy gills and rhinophores. Its body colour varies from a creamy yellow through pinks to purples. It may reach a total length of 80 mm.[4][5]
Ecology edit
This species feeds on sponges. Its egg ribbon is a stiff collar of large yellow-orange eggs.
References edit
- ^ Gosliner, T. M. (1996). Phylogeny of Ceratosoma (Nudibranchia: Chromodorididae), with descriptions of two new species. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. 49(3): 115–126.
- ^ MolluscaBase (2018). Ceratosoma ingozi Gosliner, 1996. Accessed on 2018-12-01.
- ^ Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
- ^ Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3
- ^ Rudman, W.B., 2005 (January 28) Ceratosoma ingozi Gosliner, 1996. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.