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
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
(unranked): clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura
clade Nudipleura
clade Nudibranchia
Superfamily: Doridoidea
Family: Chromodorididae
Genus: Chromodoris
Species:Chromodoris africana
Leave a Reply