African Chromodoris – Nudibranch Facts and Photographs

The African Chromodoris (Chromodoris Africana) also known as the  four-coloured nudibranch is a species of colourful sea slug. They are dorid nudibranchs, marine gastropod mollusks.

APPEARANCE

African Chromodoris have an elongated oval shape and smooth skin.  The upper body is black with two white lines running longitudinally. Their body is edged by a white line with orange edges. The rhinophores and gills are orange but can be slightly yellow in some specimens. They grow up to 70 mm in length.

IN THE WILD

The African Chromodoris are one of the more common nudibranchs seen on the East African coast. Being brightly colored they are easy to spot. Usually they are seen singly and sometimes in pairs. They have  the ability to secrete toxic substances which provides protection against predators. Being fairly slow moving they are easy to observe while diving.

HABITAT

The African Chromodoris is found from the Red Sea down the coast of East Africa to southern Kwa-Zulu Natal. They are found on rocky and coral reefs to a depth of 30 meters.

DIET

The African Chromodoris feed on sponges.

REPRODUCTION

They are simultaneous hermaphrodites and mating takes place by connecting the sexual organs which are on the right hand side of the body. Once the two organs hook up sperm is transfered across to each specimen. Eggs are laid on a solid substrate in a ribbon and when they hatch the larvae become planktonic before growing into adults.

IMAGES

AFRICAN CHROMODORIS CLASSIFICATION

LITERATURE CITED

• The Reef Guide fishes, corals, nudibranchs & other invertebrates: East and South Coasts of Southern Africa by Dennis King & Valda Fraser

EQUIPMENT USED

• Canon 7D
• Ikelite 7D Housing
• Ikelite Strobe Arm
• Ikelite Strobe Light
• Flat Ikelite Lens Port
• Ikelite Dual Synch Cord 
• Ikelite 5.1 inch Port body