Black nudibranch


The black nudibranch is a species of colorful sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusk in the family Polyceridae. This species is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the South African coast, being found from the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth from the shallow subtidal to at least 30 m.

Description

The black nudibranch is a large deep-bodied nudibranch. It is easily recognised because of its blue-black colour and bright turquoise marginal line. Some specimens are brownish with a purple marginal line. Its gills and rhinophores are black.

Ecology

The black nudibranch feeds on tree-like bryozoans. Its egg ribbon is a bright yellow rose-like spiral.