Notobryon wardi


Notobryon wardi, the iridescent nudibranch, is a species of scyllid nudibranch, and is found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Scyllaeidae.

Distribution

This species is found around the South African coast from Elands Bay to Jeffreys Bay. It is usually found inter-tidally but has been found to 20 m.

Description

Notobryon wardi is a medium-sized smooth-bodied nudibranch. The body is reddish-brown with iridescent blue-green spots on its sides and back. The smooth rhinophores are surrounded by cup-like sheaths. Two sets of wispy gills are flanked by flattened lobes extending from the body.

Ecology

Notobryon wardi feeds on hydroids. It can swim when disturbed using lateral movements of its body.