Biology:Goniodoris mercurialis

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Short description: Species of gastropod

Goniodoris mercurialis
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Doridina
Superfamily: Onchidoridoidea
Family: Goniodorididae
Genus: Goniodoris
Species:
G. mercurialis
Binomial name
Goniodoris mercurialis
Macnae, 1958[1]

Goniodoris mercurialis is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Goniodorididae.

Distribution

This species was first described from False Bay, South Africa . It is found on both sides of the Cape Peninsula.[2]

Description

This goniodorid nudibranch is translucent tan in colour, with large areas of white surface pigment on the oral tentacles and the back and sides of the body.

Ecology

Goniodoris mercurialis feeds on colonial ascidians.

References

  1. Macnae, W., 1958. The families Polyceridae and Goniodorididae (Mollusca, Nudibranchiata) in southern Africa. Transactions Royal Society South Africa 35(4), 341-372. (Pls.17-18)
  2. Gosliner, T. 1987. Nudibranchs of southern Africa: A guide to Opisthobranch molluscs of southern Africa Sea. Challengers, Monterey.

Wikidata ☰ Q3773280 entry